LPDD

Pathway 5.

Electricity Decarbonization → Utility-Scale Renewables

5.1.7 Offshore Wind Development

LPDD Recommendation: “BOEM should continue its designation of wind energy areas and prepare programmatic EIS to expedite approval of projects in those areas.”

LPDD Recommendation: “Major federal facilities on the coastlines, such as large naval bases, should consider committing to purchasing power from offshore wind facilities.”

LPDD Recommendation: “Congress should instruct reviewing agencies that unavoidable visual and aesthetic impacts do not provide a basis for denying wind energy projects.”

LPDD Recommendation: “Congress should include preference for offshore renewable energy projects in the CZMA consistency process.”

LPDD Recommendation: “States with offshore wind capacity should develop and implement processes to promptly review and act upon applications for offshore wind projects.”

California’s Offshore Wind Procurement Law

State Legislatures
Allowing state agencies to sign contracts committing to purchase gigawatts’ worth of generation from yet-to-be-built offshore wind farms and then pass the costs on to all Californians.

The Inflation Reduction Act

Congress
Wide-reaching law touching on myriad sectors and sources of emissions, and, according to most estimates, makes the goal of reducing economy-wide emissions 40% over 2005 levels by 2030 attainable.

California AB525 (2021)

State Legislatures
Requiring the California Energy Commission (CEC) to develop a strategic plan to build 10,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2040, and 3,000 megawatts by 2030.

North Carolina EO on Offshore Wind

States and State Governments
A June 2021 Executive Order from North Carolina's Governor set the state's first-ever offshore wind target, calling for as much as 8 gigawatts of wind to be built off the coast of the State by 2040.

SMART POWER

States and State Governments
Memorandum of understanding between Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina to cooperate on offshore wind power development.

Proposed Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act (2020)

Congress
Seeks to leverage the ocean’s potential in the fight against climate change by promoting offshore renewable energy, protecting blue carbon, supporting climate-ready fisheries, expanding marine protected areas, improving ocean health, and more.