Broad coalition applauds Biden Administration offshore wind moves, signaling united support for responsible development
WASHINGTON (April 1, 2021) —Today, a broad coalition of business, community, environmental, and labor groups issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s announcement of new leasing, funding, and development goals to accelerate and deploy offshore wind energy and jobs:
As renewable energy developers, workers of all stripes, community leaders, and environmental advocates, we applaud President Biden’s early, bold commitments to advance 30 gigawatts (GW) of responsible offshore wind development by 2030. The Administration-wide approach to jump-start American offshore wind power—including tangible next steps on leasing, permitting, port investments, loan guarantees, research funding and more—offers a solid game plan for confronting the climate crisis and ensuring we Build Back Better.
We face unprecedented and intersecting environmental, public health and economic crises that exacerbate racial and social injustices—presenting an existential threat to our communities, our nation, and our world. Offshore wind is uniquely positioned to help address these challenges. The Administration’s sweeping, whole-government approach outlined this week signals the urgency, seriousness and determination that is needed to face these threats head on.
We are united in our belief that done right, offshore wind power will create thousands of quality, family-sustaining jobs in the manufacturing, construction, operations and maintenance, and in the development of port facilities and associated infrastructure. We agree that offshore wind power can and must be developed in a manner that protects coastal and marine ecosystems and advances social and racial equity and environmental justice.
Together, we stand ready to work with the Biden Administration to help fulfill today’s offshore wind commitments with a comprehensive, responsible approach to scaling up this critical new energy source for America.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Whole-Government Approach to Jumpstart American Offshore Wind Power
On March 29, 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a whole-government approach to jump-start offshore wind power and jobs in America, including a goal of 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2030 and tangible next steps and investments for permitting, port infrastructure, research, and more. Watch this video of the press conference to listen to announcements from the White House National Climate Advisor, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Transportation.
More information and details available on the White House Fact Sheet, here.