For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 15, 2022
NOIA Contact: Justin Williams, (202) 465-8464 | jwilliams@nullnoia.org
California Can Spur Next American Offshore Wind Hub
Washington, D.C. - National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik Milito issued the following statement after the Departments of Energy, Interior, Commerce, and Transportation launched initiatives on floating offshore wind:
"A successful American offshore wind future has to include California and the West Coast. These states can unlock the next American offshore wind hub and help the region, as well as the nation, meet renewable energy goals while spurring jobs and investment. The development and deployment of floating wind technology will be fundamental in tapping wind resources in the vast deepwater areas off our Pacific Coast. The announced lease auction offshore California by year end positions the West Coast for global leadership in deployment of floating wind.
“As the state with the largest economy and population, California can lead a generational energy and economic opportunity. BOEM and NOAA will have to work together and with other stakeholders to ensure that sufficient flexibility is provided and unnecessary restrictions on development are avoided, but we are confident that offshore wind can and will coexist and thrive with local marine life and existing oceanic industries.
"Importantly, Wood Mackenzie found that one lease sale offshore California could support 38,100 jobs per year, $3.5 billion in annual wages and $44.2 billion in total capital investment. As new investments, new technologies, and new Call areas come to fruition, the sky is the limit as to what American offshore wind can achieve."
##
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.