OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY IS BLOWING INTO CALIFORNIA

On March 29, 2021, the Biden Administration announced offshore wind energy projects employing President Biden’s ‘whole of government approach’ to position America to lead a “clean energy revolution” while creating thousands of potential union jobs across the country. The President’s Executive Order specifically committed to expanding the offshore wind industry on the Atlantic Coast (in the New York Bight, adjacent to the greater metropolitan Tri-State area), in the Gulf of Mexico, and in Pacific waters.

In late May, the Biden Administration announced that it is seeking to create 30 gigawatts of offshore wind off the Central and Northern California coasts by 2030. Specifically, Area 399, north of Morro Bay, has been identified to support three gigawatts of offshore wind and the Humboldt Call Area has also been identified as another potential Wind Energy Area.

Interestingly, in response to the President’s announcement, California’s Governor Newsome tepidly noted that clean offshore wind energy “could” be a game changer.  Even less enthusiastic responses have been voiced by the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant and the Northwest Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations. Stay tuned for updates as this clean energy industry continues to develop.