Resumption of Vineyard Wind Permitting Shows Commitment to Offshore Wind

For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 4, 2021
NOIA Contact: Justin Williams, (202) 465-8464 | jwilliams@nullnoia.org

Resumption of Vineyard Wind Permitting Shows Commitment to Offshore Wind

Washington, D.C. - National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced that it intends to resume the review process for the Vineyard Wind offshore wind project:

"The timely resumption of the Vineyard Wind permitting process by BOEM is a critical step toward harnessing the energy and economic potential of the U.S. offshore wind sector. Offshore wind is a generational energy and economic opportunity with more than 9,100 MW from 13 projects expected to come online by 2026. A timely and effective permitting regime is a necessity to tap the offshore wind potential. With BOEM's announcement, we are closer to that reality.

"Maintaining the level of interest from offshore wind developers also requires a reliable inventory of regularly scheduled offshore wind auctions, along with the ability to develop those resources. It has been more than two years since the last offshore wind lease sale. A recent Wood Mackenzie white paper found that new, near-term lease opportunities could support 80,000 jobs annually and generate $166 billion in new investment by 2035.The Biden Administration should build off this positive momentum and adopt a regular and predictable offshore wind lease auction schedule.

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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.

National Ocean Industries Association
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Phone: 202.347.6900 | Email: media@nullnoia.org