Central Atlantic WEAs Are Welcome News for Coastal States and Nation

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, November 16, 2022
NOIA Contact: Justin Williams, (202) 465-8464 | jwilliams@nullnoia.org

Central Atlantic WEAs Are Welcome News for Coastal States and Nation

Washington, D.C. - National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito issued the following statement after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced eight Draft Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) in the Central Atlantic: 

“With growing offshore wind opportunities, the states along the Central Atlantic coast have a chance to become part of the next wave of offshore wind hubs. While these states will clearly benefit tremendously from jobs and investment associated with offshore wind development, the benefits will stretch across our nation. Offshore wind is a national endeavor with national benefits; the more offshore wind leases and the greater the geographical diversity of new American offshore wind projects, the greater the benefits will be to the national supply chain.

“NOIA successfully advocated for language in the Inflation Reduction Act to overturn the 10-year moratorium on offshore wind leasing in the area stretching from North Carolina down through the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. The $315 million Carolina Long Bay offshore wind lease sale shows how attractive the region is for offshore wind investments. Today’s announcement will allow North Carolina and other coastal states to keep wind momentum going."

##

About NOIA 
The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.