WASHINGTON – Leaders across the Biden administration announced a new initiative Monday to accelerate the development of offshore wind in the United States. Secretaries of Commerce, Transportation, Energy and Interior laid out plans to reach 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power by 2030, which is a total that could power more than 10 million American homes. The effort includes increasing investment in the industry, identifying new areas to develop offshore wind, and accelerating the permitting process of projects along the East Coast — starting with the New Jersey-based Ocean Wind project. The initiative also facilitates a unique data-sharing partnership between offshore wind developer Orsted and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in service of supporting research on the environmental impact of offshore wind.
The announcement comes on the heels of a report released by Environment America Research & Policy Center, Offshore Wind for America. That study details the immense potential of offshore wind power in the U.S. Key findings indicate that offshore wind can play a major role in the transition to 100 percent renewable energy, and could power the nation’s 2019 electricity usage almost twice over.
In response, Environment America Research & Policy Center’s Go Big on Offshore Wind Associate Hannah Read released the following statement:
“Today’s announcement marks a revolutionary moment for offshore wind. This powerful renewable resource has been waiting in the wings of our energy system for too long, and now it can finally take center stage. The potential to power our country using clean renewable energy off our coasts is immense, and the Biden administration’s commitment forges a path to take full advantage of offshore wind. This federal leadership should give states the confidence to continue making bold commitments to go big on offshore wind. Now that the executive branch is throwing its weight behind timely and ambitious development, it’s full-steam ahead.”
Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center, also issued a statement:
“New Jersey has some of the largest offshore wind potential in the country and by taking advantage of it we can power the Garden State — and the region — with renewable energy. For example, the New York Bight is a clean energy gold mine off the Jersey Shore. Today’s announcement reminds us that offshore wind can and will rise to the occasion of meeting our energy needs. We finally have a partner in the White House that is ready to swing for the fences on this renewable power house. With this incredible resource, we can build a resilient green future for New Jersey and the rest of America. Now is the time to go big on offshore wind.”
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Common Dreams | Radio Free (2021-03-29T20:42:22+00:00) Biden Administration Announces Plan to Boost Offshore Wind Development. Retrieved from https://www.radiofree.org/2021/03/29/biden-administration-announces-plan-to-boost-offshore-wind-development/
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