Biden takes another bold step as administration opens up Pacific coast to floating wind

National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy said, “Today’s announcement again demonstrates that by taking a whole-of-government approach, the US can smartly develop offshore wind energy resources, deploy new technology and create thousands of good-paying, union jobs. I salute the Departments of the Interior, Defense, and Energy, and our partners in California, for all they have done to make this possible.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “Developing offshore wind to produce clean, renewable energy could be a gamechanger to achieving California’s clean energy goals and addressing climate change. This historic announcement represents the innovative approach we need for a clean energy economy that protects the coasts, fisheries, marine life, and Tribal, and cultural resources we value so much as Californians.”

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said the announcement “reflects months of active engagement and dedication between partners.” Under Secretary for Defense Policy Dr Colin Kahl said, “The climate crisis is a national security imperative and the Defense Department is proud to have played a role in this important effort.”

Business Network for Offshore Wind president and chief executive Liz Burdock said, “This announcement provides a clear path for offshore wind’s expansion to the west coast and is a vital milestone for many major industry stakeholders.

“As the fifth-largest economy in the world, the global offshore wind industry has been waiting for California to open. I commend Governor Newsom and his team for working diligently with Congress and the administration to accomplish this important milestone.

“The administration’s announcement provides lease areas for the implementation of California’s proposed offshore wind energy goals. Assembly Bill 525 Energy: Offshore Wind Generation was introduced earlier this year by assembly member David Chiu (D – San Francisco). If enacted, AB-525 will require the California Energy Commission to set offshore wind targets within three months of its passing, expected Q3 2021. Overall, today’s federal announcement is a landmark step forward for offshore wind and interagency collaboration along the Pacific coast.”

National Ocean Industries Association president Erik Milito said, “The nation’s most populous state is now on a path towards tapping a generational energy and economic opportunity.” He noted that Wood Mackenzie found that one lease sale offshore California could support 38,100 jobs per year, US$3.5Bn in annual wages and US$44.2Bn in total capital investment.”

Riviera Maritime Media’s Offshore Energy Webinar Week is being held 14 June 2021 – use this link for more details and to register