Press Releases
May 16, 2024
Day Two: News Release from Offshore Wind California — “Leaders at 2024 Pacific Offshore Wind Summit urge California to advance its strategic plan to 'go big' on floating offshore wind, deploy a nation-leading 25 GW by 2045”
Federal, state and industry leaders on Day Two of the 2024 Pacific Offshore Wind Summit lauded California’s commitment to make floating wind part of its diverse clean-power future, and urged the state to advance plans to deploy a nation-leading 25 gigawatts (GW) by 2045, to create jobs and meet its climate, clean-energy, and grid-reliability goals. Speakers at the Summit, hosted by Offshore Wind California (OWC), called on the state to move with speed and scale on key next steps to bring offshore wind online – including transmission and port upgrades, procuring at scale, a permitting roadmap, supply chain, workforce training, and suitable sea space to reach the state’s goals.
See full release also at PR Newswire
May 15, 2024
Day One: News Release from Offshore Wind California —“California setting course to be a global leader on floating offshore wind, to reach climate, clean-energy & grid-reliability goals, say leaders at 2024 Pacific Offshore Wind Summit”
Federal, state, and industry leaders on Day One of the 2024 Pacific Offshore Wind Summit joined in encouraging California to advance its plans to deploy 25 gigawatts (GW) from offshore wind by 2045, as the state sets a course to be a global leader on floating offshore wind power. Speakers at the Summit, hosted by Offshore Wind California (OWC), urged the state to move expeditiously on essential next steps to develop offshore wind at scale – including investing in transmission and ports, procuring at scale, setting a permitting roadmap, engaging key stakeholders, building a supply chain and workforce training, and defining more lease areas to reach the state’s goals.
See full release also at PR Newswire
April 30, 2024
Remarks by Offshore Wind California at Press Conference by Legislators and Coalition Calling for Investing $1 billion in California Ports to Boost Offshore Wind in a Climate Bond
I’m Adam Stern, Executive Director of Offshore Wind California… I want to begin by acknowledging the legislative leaders and broad coalition gathered here today calling for California to take another important step on its course to being a national, indeed a global, leader on this important, innovative clean-energy technology – floating offshore wind… If the Golden State wants to go big on offshore wind, we must make the necessary investments to upgrade our ports to assemble and deploy these floating wind turbines. Including $1 billion for ports in a climate bond is a critical next step to making California offshore wind a reality. It will be a down payment… for California to catalyze further state and federal funding, create thousands of new jobs, and invest in the multi-port strategy to bring offshore wind online...
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April 24, 2024
Statement by Offshore Wind California on Announcement by Interior Secretary Haaland
of Five-Year Plan Setting Schedule for Next Rounds of U.S. Offshore Wind Leasing
We are encouraged by U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s announcement today of a new five-year schedule of planned offshore leasing by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to accelerate the progress and momentum of U.S. offshore wind, including off the coast of California. This sends an important signal of commitment and certainty of the Administration’s support for responsibly developing offshore wind over the long term, and delivering its benefits in good-paying U.S. jobs, clean electricity, and climate mitigation for America’s clean-energy future. For California, today’s announcement underscores the state’s course and commitment to go big on offshore wind and generate a nation-leading 25 gigawatts (GW) by 2045. The Golden State is on its way to becoming a global leader in floating offshore wind and making this renewable energy resource a key contributor to achieve the state’s ambitious climate, clean-energy, and grid-reliability goals. California is answering the call to responsibly develop offshore wind as part of its 100% clean-power portfolio.
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April 23, 2024
Public Comments by Offshore Wind California to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) on the Draft 2023-2024 Transmission Plan
The California Independent System Operator’s (“CAISO”) draft 2023-2024 Transmission Plan… “identifies the next installment of critical infrastructure development that will be needed to bring historic amounts of new clean energy onto the grid, including the first projects to deliver offshore wind from California’s North Coast.”… The California Energy Commission… set California offshore wind planning goals of up to 5 GW by 2030 and 25 GW by 2045. To meet these goals, California cannot afford to delay investing in transmission… CAISO’s 2023-24 Draft Plan meets this call to action… As noted by Neil Millar, CAISO’s vice president for Infrastructure and Operations Planning: “These projects off California’s North Coast area represent the first wave of development for offshore wind to meet the state’s portfolio needs while also being flexible enough to expand in the future…” OWC commends CAISO for preparing this plan as an essential next step to meet the transmission needs of California’s course and commitment to offshore wind... We urge the Board of Governors to adopt the Draft Plan.
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April 22, 2024
Public Comments by Offshore Wind California to the California Energy Commission regarding the AB 525 Draft Strategic Plan
Offshore Wind California (OWC) commends the California Energy Commission (CEC) and other state agencies for preparing this detailed draft strategic plan to deploy California offshore wind at scale… The CEC’s AB 525 Strategic Plan describes the essential next steps California must take to achieve its goal of generating a nation-leading 25 gigawatts (GW) from floating offshore wind by 2045… It represents an important milestone that underscores California’s commitment to go big on offshore wind to help meet the state’s ambitious climate, clean- energy, and grid-reliability goals… Offshore wind promises to deliver a host of benefits for California workers, residents, and electricity ratepayers. Deploying 25 GW off the state’s North and Central Coasts will create thousands of family-wage jobs and supply clean power to up to 25 million homes. Offshore wind can also save ratepayers billions, help avoid rolling blackouts, and bring real environmental and health benefits, all while coexisting with other ocean users and protecting California’s coastal communities and cultural resources.
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March 20, 2024
Comments by Offshore Wind California to California Energy Commission (CEC) Workshop on Draft Assembly Bill (AB) 525 Strategic Plan to Advance California Offshore Wind
I want to thank the CEC, staff, and all the other agencies who participated in developing this plan… it’s exactly what California needs to responsibly develop this renewable energy resource at scale and with speed off the state’s coast. Much work remains to refine the details, including how we can fund the necessary investments, but the plan’s determination and direction is clear. It’s an important milestone that underscores California’s commitment to go big on offshore wind to help meet its ambitious climate, clean-energy, and grid-reliability goals. For the Golden State, the future and foundations of offshore wind are floating. I had a chance to see for myself… on a recent California delegation trip to the United Kingdom to view floating offshore wind turbines in action off the coast of Scotland… Seeing is really believing. And it’s all the more motivating on the need to responsibly bring this remarkable technology to the waters off California’s coast.
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February 5, 2024
Statement by Offshore Wind California Congratulating California Senator Mike McGuire on Becoming President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate
We congratulate California Senator Mike McGuire on his swearing in today as the new President Pro Tempore, the highest-ranking leadership position in the California State Senate. We look forward to working closely with him and his staff to pursue opportunities and address challenges to bring offshore wind online and help meet California’s ambitious climate, clean-energy, and grid-reliability goals. Floating is the future for offshore wind in the Pacific. California is setting a course to be a global leader and hub for this remarkable renewable energy resource... Senator McGuire has proven himself to be a strong leader and visionary advocate for offshore wind’s benefits to Californians. We are eager to work with him to make this great promise and potential a reality.
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February 5, 2024
Reply Comments of Offshore Wind California to California Public Utilities Commission on Administrative Law Judge’s Proposed Decision Adopting 2023 Preferred System Plan and Related Matters Addressing Two Petitions for Modification
The CEC has adopted AB 525 planning goals of up to 5 GW by 2030 and 25 GW by 2045, which are restated and reaffirmed in the CEC’s just-released Draft AB 525 Offshore Wind Strategic Plan. According to its 2022 Memorandum of Understanding with the CEC and CAISO, the Commission has a responsibility to “incorporate longer term statewide resource planning efforts led by the CEC,” including the CEC’s offshore wind goals, “into its proceedings for resource portfolio developed for resource procurement and transmission planning purposes.”… [F]urther modification of the Proposed Decision is needed to “to harmonize as much as possible [with] the state’s overall strategy of developing and evolving [offshore wind].” The Commission should revise the Proposed Decision to increase the total capacity of offshore wind in the PSP to align with the State’s offshore wind planning goals, as well as map at least 2.7 GW of offshore wind to the North Coast in the TPP.
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January 30, 2024
Opening Comments of Offshore Wind California to the California Public Utilities Commission on Administrative Law Judge’s Proposed Decision Adopting 2023 Preferred System Plan and Related Matters Addressing Two Petitions for Modification
The Proposed Decision should be revised to align with California’s clearly stated offshore wind planning goals, which are restated and reaffirmed in the CEC’s just-released Draft AB 525 Offshore Wind Strategic Plan. Moreover, the Commission should not rely solely on a speculative least-cost model for system planning purposes. Instead the Commission should take a holistic approach that takes into account other factors such as the benefits of grid diversity, offshore wind’s resiliency value, cost efficiencies that come with economies of scale, its high capacity factors and complementary power generation profile, and the economic and jobs benefits that can be captured through the deliberate, long-term buildout of offshore wind on the California coast... Finally, the Proposed Decision’s TPP should be revised to include, at a minimum, 2.7 GW of offshore wind capacity in the North Coast area…
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January 19, 2024
Statement by Offshore Wind California Commending California Energy Commission (CEC) & Other State Agencies for Assembly Bill (AB) 525 Draft Strategic Plan to Advance California Offshore Wind
We commend the California Energy Commission (CEC) and other state agencies for preparing this detailed draft strategic plan to deploy California offshore wind at scale, as directed by the landmark AB 525 law signed by Gov. Newsom in 2021. This is the kind of comprehensive plan California needs for the responsible development of this remarkable renewable energy resource off the state’s coast. For the Golden State, the foundation and future of offshore wind is floating. The CEC’s strategic plan describes the essential next steps California must take to achieve its goal of a nation-leading 25 gigawatts (GW) of floating offshore wind by 2045. They include investments in a multi-port strategy and new electric transmission, an efficient and timely process for permitting, a robust supply chain and workforce training, engaging key stakeholders, and identifying suitable sea space to reach the state’s ambitious offshore wind goals…
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December 5, 2023
Statement by Offshore Wind California Applauding Announcement at COP28 Climate Summit that California is Joining the Global Offshore Wind Alliance
We applaud the announcement at the COP28 climate summit that California is joining the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA). California has long been recognized as a climate and clean-energy leader on the world stage. This action sends another strong signal that the Golden State is committed to being a global leader and hub for floating offshore wind, with its nation-leading goal to generate 25 gigawatts (GW) by 2045. By signing on to the GOWA, California is joining more than a dozen nations, supranational and subnational members that have come together to achieve 2,000 GW of offshore wind power by 2050. This action underscores California’s determination to go big on offshore wind to help meet its ambitious climate, clean-energy, and grid- reliability goals, as well as generate new jobs and green growth…
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December 1, 2023
Reply Comments of Offshore Wind California to the California Public Utilities Commission on Administrative Law Judge’s Ruling Seeking Comment on Proposed 2023 Preferred System Plan and Transmission Planning Process Portfolios
[T]he proposed 25 MMT Core Portfolio falls far short of California’s and the federal government’s offshore wind planning goals. The California Legislature has identified offshore wind as “a critical resource for California achieving its ambitious clean energy goals, while also adding to a diverse portfolio of energy resources to ensure system reliability.”… The Commission should not rely solely on RESOLVE modeling, which fails to account for a variety of benefits and policy objectives achievable if offshore wind is developed at scale. As ACP observes, “[a] myopic view of cost-minimization risks missing the broader benefits of holistic, long- term economy-wide GHG reduction strategies in which major investments in the electric system ultimately yield savings for ratepayers.” To align with the CEC’s planning goals and unlock offshore wind’s broad climate, clean-energy, and grid-reliability benefits, the Commission should adopt a 25 MMT PSP portfolio that includes 25 GW of offshore wind by 2045…
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November 13, 2023
Opening Comments of Offshore Wind California to the California Public Utilities Commission on Administrative Law Judge’s Ruling Seeking Comment on Proposed 2023 Preferred System Plan and Transmission Planning Process Portfolios
California is home to one of the world’s best offshore wind resources in the world. The California Legislature has identified offshore wind as “a critical resource for California achieving its ambitious clean energy goals, while also adding to a diverse portfolio of energy resources to ensure system reliability.”… To align with the CEC’s planning goals and unlock offshore wind’s broad climate, clean-energy, and grid-reliability benefits, the Commission should adopt a 25 MMT PSP portfolio that includes 25 GW of offshore wind by 2045… California is positioned to play a critical role in enabling the scalable deployment of offshore wind… The Commission should seek to capture the full benefits of deploying offshore wind energy at a scale that will help lower prices for offshore wind in California. The Commission must serve as a catalyst for offshore wind development by selecting robust offshore wind capacity in Northern California for transmission planning purposes.
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October 25, 2023
Comments by Offshore Wind California to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Regarding the Proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS)
OWC and our members are committed to the principle that responsible development of offshore wind in California is compatible and can coexist with other ocean users… To deliver its benefits for California, it is vital that offshore wind projects in the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area (WEA) be able to connect to the power grid at both Morro Bay and Diablo Canyon to give Californians full access to the clean energy they need… We support an outcome that protects and preserves California’s coastal and cultural resources, while at the same time enabling California’s offshore wind industry to help the Golden State meet its climate, clean-energy, and grid-reliability goals… The unique diversity of OWC members, in particular its supply chain, technology, and engineering firms, as well as developers, can bring valuable technical expertise on how floating offshore wind is planned and executed… California knows how to be a leader on climate, clean energy, and coastal conservation. OWC and our members remain eager to work in partnership with the CHNMS to demonstrate that leadership and realize the benefits of offshore wind and this new marine sanctuary for all Californians.
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October 7, 2023
Statement by Offshore Wind California Praising Governor Newsom’s Signing Assembly Bill (AB) 1373 for Procurement at Scale to Advance California Offshore Wind and Other Clean-Energy Resources
California is setting a course to be a global leader and hub for floating offshore wind. Signing AB 1373 into law is an important milestone that underscores California’s commitment to go big on offshore wind to help meet its ambitious climate, clean-energy, and grid-reliability goals. We praise Governor Newsom and the State Assembly and Senate for their leadership in advancing this ground-breaking legislation. AB 1373 will provide a vital tool to help the Golden State invest at scale, build at scale, and procure at scale for the long lead-time renewable resources it needs to strengthen its clean-power portfolio and achieve its SB 100 goal of 100% clean electricity by 2045…
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September 20, 2023
Letter to Governor Newsom – Re: AB 1373 (Assms. E. Garcia, Ting and Senator Becker) Clean Energy Procurement REQUEST FOR SIGNATURE
Dear Governor Newsom – The undersigned organizations – representing labor groups, environmental advocates, ports community, local elected officials, and clean energy business organizations – respectfully urge you to sign AB 1373, legislation sponsored by your Administration that ensures the state has a robust mechanism in place to facilitate procurement of long lead-time clean energy resources like offshore wind and geothermal. Your signature on this historic bill will establish a vital tool to accelerate deployment of important large-scale renewable resources the state needs to achieve its zero-carbon goals, address its grid-reliability challenges, create tens of thousands of California jobs, lift up economically disadvantaged communities, and ensure these projects get built on time and at the lowest cost to electricity ratepayers…”
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September 14, 2023
Statement by Offshore Wind California Praising Passage of State Assembly Bill (AB) 1373 for Procurement at Scale to Advance California Offshore Wind and Other Clean-Energy Resources
Passage of this legislation shows California is serious about going big on offshore wind and positioning itself as a leader and global hub of this important clean-energy resource. AB 1373 provides a vital tool to help the Golden State invest at scale, build at scale, and procure at scale for the long lead-time renewable resources it needs to complement its clean-power portfolio and meet its ambitious climate, clean-energy, and grid-reliability goals. We commend Gov. Newsom and the Assembly and Senate for their leadership on this critical measure…
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September 5, 2023
Letter to Chairman of California Senate Energy, Utilities & Communications Committee – Re: AB 1373 (E. Garcia) Energy SUPPORT
Dear Chair Bradford – The undersigned organizations urge you to pass AB 1373 (Garcia) to ensure the state has a robust mechanism in place to facilitate the procurement of diverse clean energy such as offshore wind and geothermal energy. While California has made tremendous strides in leading the clean energy transition, building a grid that is clean and reliable will require new tools to bring online the next generation of zero-carbon resources and fill gaps in our resource portfolio. One of those tools is a central procurement mechanism for emerging large-scale, long lead-time resources like floating offshore wind and geothermal energy resources. The promise of offshore wind in California is enormous...”
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September 5, 2023
Statement by Offshore Wind California in Support of State Assembly Bill (AB) 1373 for Procurement at Scale to Advance California Offshore Wind and Other Clean-Energy Resources
If we want to go big on California offshore wind and other clean-energy resources, we need to invest at scale, build at scale, and procure at scale. This agreement is great news and an important milestone for Golden State workers, residents, and electricity ratepayers. It will help California deliver on its commitment to be a global leader on climate, achieve 100% clean electricity, and generate 25 GW from floating offshore wind by 2045. We commend Governor Newsom and the State Assembly and Senate for their leadership on this critical legislation. AB 1373 will establish a robust mechanism to facilitate procurement and offer a clear path to market for diverse clean energy such as offshore wind and other resources…
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August 23, 2023
Letter to Lawmakers – Central Procurement Legislation for Offshore Wind and Diverse Energy Resources
Dear Governor Newsom, President pro Tempore Atkins, and Speaker Rivas – The undersigned organizations urge you to come together to pass legislation this year to ensure the state has a robust mechanism in place to facilitate the procurement of diverse clean energy such as offshore wind and geothermal energy. While California has made tremendous strides in leading the clean energy transition, building a grid that is clean and reliable will require new tools... One of those tools is a central procurement mechanism for emerging large-scale, long lead-time resources like floating offshore wind…
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August 14, 2023
Fact Sheet – New PPIC Survey: Public support is strong and growing in California for offshore wind power – 83% of Californians support offshore wind projects off California’s coast
The latest statewide survey by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), Californians and the Environment (July 2023), had encouraging news on public support among Golden State residents for offshore wind power. When 1,722 adults were asked about “allowing wind power and wave energy projects off the California coast,” 83% of all adults favored them, including 70% of Republicans and 91% of Democrats. The total figure is up from 81% last year and 72% in 2019. Support for offshore wind is strong across all major demographic groups…
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June 16, 2023
Offshore Wind California Comments to the California Energy Commission Regarding Workshop on AB 525 – Identifying Additional Suitable Sea Space and Assessing Impacts and Mitigations for Offshore Wind Energy Development
California has a remarkable opportunity to establish global leadership by developing floating offshore wind at scale… In order to achieve the state’s initial planning goals of up to 5 GW by 2030 and a nation-leading 25 GW by 2045, we need to move with speed and scale on a number of essential next steps – investing in transmission and ports, a permitting roadmap, a mechanism to procure at scale, a robust supply chain and workforce training, engaging Tribal communities and key stakeholders including coastal communities, the commercial fishing community, and other ocean users, and identifying suitable sea space for the next rounds of leasing… OWC emphasizes the importance of also coordinating with federal partners at BOEM during and after the sea space identification process… OWC recommends that the CEC use NREL’s estimates of 5 MW/km2 for offshore wind power density factors and the high estimate of installation capacity presented at the June 1 workshop in its AB 525 sea space planning analyses…
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May 11, 2023
Day Two: News Release from Offshore Wind California — “California sets a course to go big on floating offshore wind, make it a central part of its 100% clean-energy future, wins support of state & federal leaders at Pacific Offshore Wind Summit”
Sacramento, CA—Federal, state and industry leaders on Day Two of the Pacific Offshore Wind Summit applauded California’s commitment to make floating wind a vital part of its diverse clean-energy future, as the state sets a course to deploy a nation-leading 25 gigawatts (GW) by 2045, create new jobs and help meet its climate, clean-energy and grid-reliability goals. Speakers at the Summit, hosted by Offshore Wind California (OWC), urged the state to move with speed and scale on key next steps to bring offshore wind online – including transmission and port upgrades, procuring at scale, a permitting roadmap, supply chain, workforce training, and suitable sea space to reach the state’s goals.
Read more also at PR Newswire
May 10, 2023
Day One: News Release from Offshore Wind California — “Leaders at Pacific Offshore Wind Summit urge California to move with speed & scale to deploy nation-leading 25 GW of floating offshore wind, meet climate, clean-energy, grid-reliability goals”
Sacramento, CA—Federal, state and industry leaders on Day One of the Pacific Offshore Wind Summit joined in highlighting the importance of California moving forward with speed and scale to achieve its goal to deploy anation-leading 25 gigawatts (GW) of floating wind power by 2045, to create jobs and help meet the state's climate, clean-energy and grid-reliability goals. Speakers at the Summit, hosted by Offshore Wind California (OWC), urged the state to move expeditiously on essential next steps to make offshore wind a reality – including investing in transmission and ports, procuring at scale, a permitting roadmap, supply chain, workforce training, and more lease areas to reach the state’s goals.
Read more also at PR Newswire
February 22, 2023
Statement by Offshore Wind California on Biden Administration Actions to Expand U.S. Offshore Wind, Including California Joining the Federal-State Offshore Wind Implementation Partnership
We’re excited to see the Biden Administration’s actions today to expand U.S. offshore wind, including California joining the Federal-State Offshore Wind Implementation Partnership. This is excellent news for the Golden State’s offshore wind industry, workers, and electricity ratepayers, and recognition of Governor Newsom’s leadership in advancing this important clean energy resource for California. President Biden launched this partnership last year with eleven East Coast governors to strengthen federal-state collaboration, accelerate responsible offshore wind development, and reach the Administration’s goals to deploy 30 gigawatts (GW) of U.S. offshore wind by 2030 and 15 GW of floating offshore wind by 2035. California’s decision to join the partnership, along with Louisiana, will expand this national initiative from sea to shining sea, and help build a sustainable offshore wind supply chain that creates tens of thousands of high-skilled, good-paying jobs…
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February 10, 2023
Comments by Offshore Wind California (OWC) and American Clean Power–California (ACP-CA) to California Energy Commission (CEC) on Conceptual Permitting Roadmap for California Offshore Wind Energy
OWC and ACP-CA thanks the CEC for the opportunity to provide comments on the conceptual Permitting Roadmap. Portions of the conceptual Permitting Roadmap we support include the following… 1) That interagency memoranda of understanding (MOU) and coordination plans are foundational to effective, coordinated, comprehensive, and efficient permitting, and 2) that the Permitting Roadmap can be implemented without new laws, though additional state and local agency resources are critical, and resources for stakeholders and Tribal Nations can help advance meaningful participation… Industry is requesting participation in the Permitting Roadmap drafting process based on our deep technical expertise and experience permitting offshore wind… [W]e recommend that the final Permitting Roadmap acknowledge that federal permitting processes are evolving and commit California to adapting its permitting processes to those changes as necessary to avoid inconsistencies between federal and state regimes…
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February 2, 2023
Opening Comments of Offshore Wind California (OWC) to California Public Utilities Commission on Administrative Law Judge’s Proposed Decision Ordering Supplemental Mid-term Reliability Procurement (2026-2027) and Transmitting Electric Resource Portfolios to California Independent System Operator for 2023-2024 Transmission Planning Process
OWC agrees with the Commission that to avoid ad hoc interim procurement orders moving forward, the Commission should continue to develop the programmatic procurement approach outlined in the Reliable and Clean Power Procurement Program Staff Options Paper… The Commission should adopt a procurement structure that accommodates both technology-agnostic procurement orders and technology-specific long lead-time resources orders. Selecting this structure will create the regulatory certainty necessary to ensure that offshore wind can help California meet its ambitious climate goals and reliability challenges… In addition, OWC encourages the Commission to account for the full Assembly Bill (“AB”) 525 planning goal of 25 GW by 2045 in the base case so as not to delay sufficient transmission build-out to accommodate the ramp-up of offshore wind anticipated by the California Energy Commission (CEC)…
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January 18, 2023
Statement by Offshore Wind California on Proposed Update of Rules and Regulations for Developing Offshore Wind Energy by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Offshore Wind California welcomes the Department of Interior’s announcement of a proposed rule to update and modernize regulations by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for leasing and developing clean energy on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. These proposed changes would mark an important step and significant progress in helping the offshore wind industry to meet the ambitious planning goals set by California and federal policy makers to responsibly develop offshore wind energy at both speed and scale…
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January 10, 2023
Statement by Offshore Wind California on Appointment of Elizabeth Klein as the Biden-Harris Administration’s new Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
We want to congratulate and welcome Elizabeth Klein on her appointment as the Biden-Harris Administration’s new Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). We look forward to her leadership in advancing, indeed accelerating, the Administration’s national goals of deploying 30 gigawatts (GW) of U.S. offshore wind by 2030 and 15 GW of floating offshore wind by 2035. We also want to thank and commend Amanda Lefton for the tremendous progress made during her tenure as BOEM Director to spur America’s offshore wind industry and jobs, including the very successful and first-ever auction of floating offshore wind leases off California’s coast. Last month’s auction was the most consequential milestone yet for the Golden State’s efforts to make offshore wind a key part of its diverse clean energy future…
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January 9, 2023
Reply Comments of Offshore Wind California (OWC) to California Public Utilities Commission on Administrative Law Judge’s Ruling Seeking Comments on Staff Paper on Procurement Program
OWC supports resource-specific procurement for long lead-time (“LLT”) resources in the current IRP cycle and the inclusion of offshore wind in an organized procurement mechanism… OWC agrees with the assertion that resource-specific procurement for offshore wind is necessary to provide market certainty, drive down costs, and spur the enabling transmission and port infrastructure required to realize offshore wind’s clean electricity generation and resource adequacy benefits at the scale required to meet California’s ambitious climate goals… OWC believes that the Commission has the existing authority and that the system requires LLT resource-specific procurement for resources like offshore wind… Through the IRP, the Commission can establish the regulatory certainty necessary so that offshore wind enables California to meet its ambitious climate goals and reliability challenges…
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December 19, 2022
Remarks by Offshore Wind California to California Energy Commission (CEC) on Assembly Bill (AB) 525: Preliminary Report on Economic Benefits of Offshore Wind re Seaport Investments & Workforce Development
Just two weeks ago, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) successfully concluded its initial auction that identified five provisional lease holders and made California the big winner in this first lease sale for the state’s multi-gigawatt floating offshore wind resource. The auction was great news for California’s offshore wind industry, its workers, and for electricity ratepayers. It may have been the most consequential milestone yet for establishing California, and the U.S. as a whole, as global leaders in going big on floating offshore wind. To make that a reality, the CEC is working with other state and local agency staff and leaders on what it will take to bring California’s offshore wind online, following the landmark AB 525 law signed by Governor Newsom last year. I want to thank the CEC staff for this excellent report…
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December 7, 2022
Statement by Offshore Wind California on Conclusion of First-ever Lease Auction for California Offshore Wind Energy by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
California is the big winner in this first lease sale for the state’s multi-gigawatt (GW) floating offshore wind resource. Today’s final auction results are great news for California’s offshore wind industry, workers, and electricity ratepayers. This is the most consequential milestone yet for the Golden State’s efforts to make offshore wind a key part of its diverse clean energy future, and meet its ambitious planning goals to generate up to 5 GW by 2030 and a nation-leading 25 GW by 2045. BOEM’s auction process has identified five provisional winners who are prepared to responsibly develop five California lease areas, and make the big investments necessary to realize offshore wind’s very substantial climate, clean energy and jobs benefits…
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December 6, 2022
Statement by Offshore Wind California on First Lease Auction for California Offshore Wind Energy by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
California, and the U.S. as a whole, have a remarkable opportunity to establish global leadership by going big on floating offshore wind. BOEM’s initial lease auction for the Morro Bay and Humboldt Wind Energy Areas is an important step to make that a reality… California has committed to responsibly developing offshore wind at speed and scale… Looking ahead, we need to keep our focus on the essential next steps to bring California offshore wind online, which include investments in transmission and port infrastructure, a clear roadmap on permitting, procurement, a robust supply chain, workforce training, and more call areas to reach the state’s 25 GW goal.
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October 31, 2022
Offshore Wind California Comments on California Public Utilities Commission’s Electricity Resource Portfolios for 2023-2024 Transmission Planning Process
Offshore Wind California applauds the CPUC for expanding capacity in the base case for the Humboldt area to 1.6 GW, but based on the recent NREL presentation to the California Energy Commission on updated capacity data, the resource potential at Humboldt is 2.7 GW. We recommend that the 2023-2024 TPP base case study the full 2.7 GW potential at Humboldt... The 2023-2024 TPP base case should study the full 4.9 GW potential at Morro Bay… OWC supports relying on the updated NREL June 2022 data to reflect higher capacities expected in both Humboldt and Morro Bay... To meet California’s clean energy goal timelines, it is imperative that transmission build-outs of the Central Coast and North Coast regions begin as soon as possible, given the long-lead times to permit and purchase the required equipment...
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October 18, 2022
Statement by Offshore Wind California on Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) Announcement of California’s First Offshore Wind Lease Auction – on Dec. 6 – for Morro Bay & Humboldt Wind Energy Areas
This is great news for floating offshore wind in California. BOEM’s announcement of the state’s first offshore wind lease auction, scheduled on December 6, is a major milestone for the industry, workers, and electricity ratepayers. It sends a powerful signal that the federal agency is moving forward with speed and scale to support California in reaching its ambitious planning goals to deploy up to 5 gigawatts (GW) of floating offshore wind power by 2030 and a nation-leading 25 GW by 2045…
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October 6, 2022
Remarks by Offshore Wind California to California Energy Commission Workshop on Assembly Bill 525: Preparing a Strategic Plan for California’s Offshore Wind Development
Going big on offshore wind means moving ahead with the BOEM plans for an initial federal lease auction later this year at the Morro Bay and Humboldt Wind Energy Areas. On permitting, it means preparing a clear road map – by December 31 this year – to provide greater certainty for completing the environmental and other necessary reviews in an efficient and timely manner… On port infrastructure, it means identifying the benefits and planning of a multi-port strategy for both the North Coast and Central Coast. On transmission, it means siting, permitting, and building power lines to transmit up to 25 GW of offshore wind power to load centers in North, Central and Southern California…
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October 6, 2022
Statement by Offshore Wind California on Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) Completion of an Environmental Review for the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area for California Offshore Wind Leasing
This is more good news for floating offshore wind in California. We’re glad to see that BOEM’s environmental review found ‘no significant impact’ from offshore wind leasing activities for the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area (WEA) on California’s Central Coast, as it did for the Humboldt WEA on the state’s North Coast this past spring. As an industry, we’re committed to ensuring that floating offshore wind has a minimal impact on the environment and coexists well with local communities, marine life, and all other ocean users…
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September 15, 2022
Statement by Offshore Wind California on New Biden Administration Goals for Floating Offshore Wind
This is great news for California and the nation. California, and the U.S. as a whole, has a remarkable opportunity to establish global leadership by going big on floating offshore wind – if we seize the moment. The Golden State has already committed to developing floating offshore wind at scale with planning goals of up to 5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 25 GW by 2045, as approved last month. Now the Biden Administration is giving a huge boost to these efforts by setting a national floating offshore wind goal of 15 GW and seeking to bring costs down by more than 70% by 2035…
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September 8, 2022
Testimony by Offshore Wind California to Field Hearing of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Energy & Mineral Resources, on “Power in the Pacific: Unlocking Offshore Wind Energy for the American West,” Morro Bay, California
We want to thank the Members and staff of the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources for holding this field hearing in Morro Bay today... As we have all experienced this past week, heat waves and the climate crisis are forcing California to take extreme action to address risks to our electric grid and ensure reliability… Offshore wind is ready to be a major part of the climate solution in California… We intend to develop a thriving, world-leading, floating offshore wind industry for California, and the U.S. We’re committed to working with federal and state agencies and local leaders and stakeholders to implement the AB 525 road map, and to realize, as quickly as possible, the benefits of this important renewable energy resource to the Golden State...
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August 10, 2022
Press Release from Offshore Wind California—California sets course to 'Go Bigger' on floating offshore wind, approves nation-leading 25 GW goal by 2045 to accelerate benefits on clean energy, climate & jobs for state
Sacramento, CA —The California Energy Commission (CEC) today approved a bold set of offshore wind planning goals, as directed by the state's AB 525 law, putting California on a path to responsibly develop up to 5 gigawatts (GW) of floating offshore wind power by 2030 and 25 GW by 2045. These goals, which expand targets in an earlier report, send an important signal to industry and other state and federal agencies that California is committed to being a leader on offshore wind and moving expeditiously to strengthen and diversify its clean power portfolio...
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August 10, 2022
Remarks by Offshore Wind California on California Energy Commission’s (CEC) Approval of Assembly Bill (AB) 525 Report Setting Offshore Wind Planning Goals of 2-5 GW by 2030 and 25 GW by 2045
It’s been less than a year since AB 525, authored by then-Assemblyman David Chiu and others, was passed overwhelmingly by the Legislature, and signed by Governor Newsom. Today, we mark the first of many milestones on the important road map laid out by this landmark legislation—approval of its updated AB 525 report, which follows Gov. Newsom’s announcement last month and expands the state’s offshore wind planning goals to 2-5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and a nation-leading 25 GW by 2045. This is truly excellent news for California’s offshore wind industry, workers, and electricity ratepayers. These goals set an ambitious course and show that California is very serious about “going big” on offshore wind, to drive economies of scale and generate the very substantial clean power, climate, and jobs benefits this renewable energy resource can deliver for our state...
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August 5, 2022
Offshore Wind California Comments on CAISO Transmission Planning Process Enhancements
The CAISO’s Transmission Planning Process Enhancements initiative presents an important step towards cost-effectively meeting California’s clean energy needs. OWC and its members are pleased to see a long-term, strategic transmission planning approach. The CAISO’s effort demonstrates its commitment to help achieve a re-imagined, resilient, and reliable grid that provides the necessary enabling infrastructure necessary to meet the state’s legislated climate targets and energy policy… OWC supports all three of these parts of the initiative to streamline the transmission plans, which should improve processes to incorporate offshore wind into the future generation mix of California in coming years…
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August 2, 2022
Statement by Offshore Wind California on California Energy Commission’s (CEC) New Assembly Bill (AB) 525 Report Setting Offshore Wind Planning Goals of 2-5 GW by 2030 and 25 GW by 2045
This is excellent news for California’s offshore wind industry, workers, and electricity ratepayers. We’re very encouraged to see the California Energy Commission (CEC) release its updated AB 525 report, which follows Gov. Newsom’s announcement last month and expands the state’s offshore wind planning goals to 2-5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 25 GW by 2045. These goals set an ambitious course and show California is very serious about “going big” on floating offshore wind to strengthen and diversify its clean power portfolio. We’re determined as an industry to work closely with state and federal agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the high end of these goals becomes a reality. Reaching 5 GW of offshore wind power by 2030 will position California to meet and even exceed its 25 GW goal by 2045...
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August 1, 2022
Comments from Offshore Wind California and American Clean Power to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on the Pacific Wind Lease Sale 1 (PACW–1) for Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf in California—Proposed Sale Notice
BOEM should be commended for moving forward with its leasing process in the California... We encourage BOEM to consider these comments on behalf of the offshore wind industry and to expeditiously issue a Final Sale Notice (“FSN”), and subsequently hold a lease sale for the Morro Bay and Humboldt WEAs—within the 2022 calendar year... Striking the right balance in structuring the California lease sale will require an iterative process and constant dialogue. The offshore wind industry stands ready to participate in that conversation in the coming months as we work toward our goal of a timely and successful sale of the Morro Bay and Humboldt leases...
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July 22, 2022
Statement by Offshore Wind California on Governor Newsom’s Call for the California Energy Commission to Establish an Offshore Wind Planning Goal of at Least 20 GW by 2045
This is great news for California’s offshore wind industry and workers. We applaud Governor Newsom for calling on the California Energy Commission (CEC) to establish an offshore wind planning goal of at least 20 gigawatts (GW) by 2045. This is another sign California is serious about “going big” on floating offshore wind, to drive economies of scale and realize the very substantial clean power, climate, and jobs benefits offshore wind can deliver for our state...
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July 20, 2022
Offshore Wind California (OWC) Comments to California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Regarding 2022-2023 Transmission Planning Process Update
Offshore Wind California supports the California Public Utilities (CPUC) and California Energy Commission’s (CEC) joint request for CAISO, as part of its 2022-2023 Transmission Planning Process (TPP), to use the 2021 Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR) Additional Transportation Electrification as its load assumptions for the base and sensitivity case studies and to study the 30 million metric ton (MMT) High Electrification policy-driven sensitivity portfolio... Offshore Wind California generally agrees with this analysis, though we urge CAISO to more closely consider and follow the policy outcomes of the AB 525 process and the CEC’s establishment of higher offshore wind planning goals for 2030 and 2045... Before finalizing its report, the CEC decided to consider additional studies and stakeholder comments that advocate for increasing the State’s offshore wind planning goals to as much as 5,000 MW by 2030 and 20,000 MW or more by 2045...
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July 13, 2022
Comments by Offshore Wind California to California Energy Commission (CEC) Business Meeting Regarding Assembly Bill (AB) 525 Offshore Wind Planning Goals for 2030 and 2045
If we want to “go big,” we need to “plan big.” Ambitious planning goals are essential to appropriately size and scale the other key elements necessary to deploy offshore wind – including transmission, port infrastructure, workforce development, and a sustainable supply chain. Setting goals below the state’s ultimate need for offshore wind risks significant missed opportunities to right-size planning, program and investments that will help deliver the full benefits of this new industry...
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July 7, 2022
Comments by Offshore Wind California and American Clean Power - California to California Energy Commission (CEC) Regarding Assembly Bill (AB) 525 Offshore Wind Planning Goals for 2030 and 2045
We’re encouraging the Commission to approve offshore wind planning goals of 5 GW by 2030 and 20 GW by 2045. We believe these goals are well-supported by the latest research and will more fully take advantage of the many benefits that economies of scale can bring Californians from responsibly developing offshore wind. Here are several key points…
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June 27, 2022
Comments by Offshore Wind California to California Energy Commission (CEC) Workshop on Assembly Bill (AB) 525 Offshore Wind Planning Goals for 2030 and 2045 — Sacramento, California
As an industry, we’re committed to providing you with our best recommendations and the latest data on offshore wind technology and research to support the Commission’s efforts to make California a leader in offshore wind, as it is in other clean energy sources. That’s why we’re encouraging the Commission to going even bigger in its final report, and approve offshore wind planning goals of 5 GW by 2030 and 20 GW by 2045. We believe these goals are well-supported by the latest research and will more fully take advantage of the many benefits that economies of scale can bring Californians from responsibly developing offshore wind...
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June 8, 2022
Comments by Offshore Wind California to California Coastal Commission (CCC) Hearing Approving Conditional Concurrence on Consistency Determination for Morro Bay Wind Energy Area — Del Mar, California
Speaking on behalf of 45 companies including offshore wind developers and technology firms, we are unified in our support of the Coastal Commission’s staff report and its conditions for federal leasing activities in the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area. Your endorsement of the staff report – similar to your unanimous action on the Humboldt Wind Energy Area in April – would reaffirm the Commission’s historic commitment to protect California’s coastal resources and heritage, while also advancing the state’s clean energy and climate goals... The Coastal Commission’s action today would represent an important milestone that demonstrates California’s determination to move forward with developing new clean energy sources in smart, environmentally responsible ways.
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June 3, 2022
Comments by Offshore Wind California to Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) California Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force
BOEM’s progress today sends an important signal to the industry and other federal and state agencies that California is ready to move forward to make offshore wind power a reality... While the focus of today’s meeting is the Proposed Sale Notice for the first lease sales in California, we shouldn’t lose sight of the need to study and propose new call areas. The first two Wind Energy Areas have the potential to generate up to 4.6 gigawatts (GW) of power. But the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) draft report released last month recommends goals of 10-15 GW by 2045 and up to 20 GW by 2050. As encouraged as we are about plans for a BOEM lease auction in the fall, the agency needs to start work with the state on a new round of call areas...
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May 26, 2022
Statement by Offshore Wind California on Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Proposed Sale Notice for Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf in California
This is good news and another major step forward for developing offshore wind off California’s coast. By issuing today’s Proposed Sales Notice and staying on track for an auction in the fall, BOEM is showing that it’s serious about advancing floating offshore wind, to drive economies of scale and realize the very substantial clean power, climate, and jobs benefits that offshore wind can deliver for our state and the nation.
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May 8, 2022
Statement by Offshore Wind California on Draft Report from California Energy Commission (CEC) on Assembly Bill (AB) 525 Strategic Planning Goals for Offshore Wind Energy in 2030 and 2045
The ambitious multi-gigawatt (GW) goals set by the California Energy Commission (CEC) in its draft AB 525 report are very encouraging news and an important milestone for the Golden State’s offshore wind industry. They show that California is serious about “going big” on floating offshore wind to drive economies of scale and realize the substantial jobs, climate, and clean power benefits from responsibly developing this remarkable renewable energy resource...
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April 7, 2022
Comments by Offshore Wind Industry to California Coastal Commission (CCC) Hearing Approving Conditional Concurrence on Consistency Determination for Humboldt Wind Energy Area — Ventura, California
We are unified in support of the Coastal Commission's staff report and its conditions... At a time when the effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, drought, heat waves, wildfires, and rising ocean temperatures are all around us, California needs to accelerate our progress towards 100 percent clean energy... Last week, our organization hosted the Pacific Offshore Wind Summit in San Francisco. More than 600 leaders attended, including top federal and state officials, offshore wind industry representatives, and environmental, environmental justice, tribal, and labor advocates. We engaged in substantive consideration of many issues that need to be addressed to make our state a leader in offshore wind, as it is in other sources of renewable energy. The Coastal Commission's decision today to move forward on offshore wind would send a key signal that our state can build a clean energy future while protecting the environment.
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March 30, 2022
Leaders at Pacific Offshore Wind Summit urge California to 'Go Big' on floating offshore wind, set bold GW goals to realize jobs, climate & clean energy benefits for state
Federal, state and industry leaders joined at the Pacific Offshore Wind Summit in highlighting the importance of California 'going big' and moving forward on floating offshore wind power to realize the full benefits of this renewable technology and meet the state's jobs, climate and clean energy goals. Speakers at the conference, hosted by Offshore Wind California (OWC) and Infocast, urged the state to set bold offshore wind gigawatt (GW) targets this spring, move ahead with a federal lease auction this fall, and advance planning on ports, transmission, procurement, workforce, and a sustainable supply chain to jumpstart this new California industry.
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March 11, 2022
Comments by Offshore Wind California for California Energy Commission Workshop on Assembly Bill (AB) 525 Strategic Plan for Offshore Wind Energy Planning Goals
Several decades of offshore wind industry experience and academic study have demonstrated conclusively that “going big” is one of the most important keys to achieving success with this remarkable clean energy technology – in California and in other U.S. and global energy markets. For offshore wind, economies of scale will be essential for driving down costs, delivering competitively priced clean power, and encouraging industries and jobs to locate in our state... That’s why OWC is encouraging California to set bold but realistic goals to generate a minimum of 3 GW of offshore wind by 2030, at least 10 GW by 2040, and – looking ahead – at least 20 GW by 2050.
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February 23, 2022
Statement by Offshore Wind California on Today’s Record-breaking Offshore Wind Energy Lease Auction by Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in the New York Bight
The record-breaking bids in today’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) auction of offshore wind leases in the New York Bight – more than $1.5 billion through the first 21 rounds − are another major milestone for America’s offshore wind industry.
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February 22, 2022
Comments by Offshore Wind California on CAISO Draft 20-Year Transmission Outlook
The CAISO’s inaugural 20-year outlook planning process for new transmission investment represents a material step toward cost-effectively meeting California’s clean energy needs. OWC and its members are pleased to see a long-term, strategic transmission planning approach... OWC particularly applauds the CAISO’s inclusion of offshore wind in its planning scenarios. Floating offshore wind has advanced significantly to become a proven technology in recent years and California is poised to leverage this new industry for the benefit of the state’s residents.
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January 19, 2022
Reply Comments by Offshore Wind California to the California Public Utilities Commission on the Proposed Decision Adopting 2021 Preferred System Plan
OWC’s reply is focused on the opening comments related to offshore wind procurement, development, and transmission. The Proposed Decision correctly encourages offshore wind procurement. The Proposed Decision reflects the Commission’s commitment to establish offshore wind procurement requirements in the IRP. However, it is clear more decisive direction is needed in order to deploy this resource by the end of the decade to address both climate and reliability issues.
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January 14, 2022
Comments by Offshore Wind California to the California Public Utilities Commission on the Proposed Decision Adopting 2021 Preferred System Plan
OWC’s comments propose refinements to the approach the Proposed Decision has set out. OWC generally supports the Proposed Decision with these proposed changes because it both strongly encourages LSEs to pursue viable opportunities for offshore wind projects as they become available, and expresses the Commission’s commitment to establish specific offshore wind procurement requirements in the next cycle of the Integrated Resource Planning (“IRP”) process. Furthermore, the Proposed Decision recognizes the importance of the Commission’s continuing to evaluate the need for more offshore wind resources. OWC offers limited comments pertaining to clarification of the roadmap and timeline for decisions on offshore wind in the 2022-2023 IRP process, and the Commission’s role in addressing offshore wind transmission and procurement.
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January 11, 2022
Comments by Offshore Wind California to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on the Outer Continental Shelf Offshore Morro Bay, California Wind Energy Area Environmental Assessment Scoping
We look forward to engaging with BOEM and other federal and state stakeholders in the Environmental Assessment for the Morro Bay WEA. We are committed to sharing our industry expertise and outlining a path to achieve 3 GW of offshore wind for California by 2030, at least 10 GW by 2040, and, looking further ahead, 20 GW by 2050. Achieving these targets requires getting started now with a focused effort to advance development at both the Morro Bay and Humboldt WEAs through the necessary reviews and leasing process. OWC stands committed to work with BOEM and state agencies to make California a leader in floating offshore wind power – as it is with other renewables – by providing the best available industry data and science to inform the Environmental Assessment and leasing process as it advances at Morro Bay and beyond.
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January 10, 2022
Statement on Governor Newsom’s Inclusion of $45 Million to Spur Responsible Offshore Wind Development as Part of Clean Energy Commitment in California Blueprint Budget Proposal
We are very pleased that Governor Newsom has committed $45 million in California’s proposed FY 2022-23 budget to create an Offshore Wind Energy Deployment Facility Improvement Program as part of his California Blueprint plan to generate more clean energy resources for the Golden State. This investment – coming on top of the enactment last fall of the landmark AB 525 legislation – will advance needed infrastructure to spur responsible development of offshore wind power in federal waters off California.
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October 11, 2021
Reply Comments by Offshore Wind California to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on proposed Preferred System Plan to support a more diverse, reliable renewable energy portfolio for California ratepayers
"Offshore wind energy can contribute to a resource- and technology-diverse, secure, and affordable renewable energy resource portfolio that will serve the reliability needs of California ratepayers, alleviate public health burdens imposed on disadvantaged communities, and provide important protections from increasingly damaging climate risks. Accordingly, offshore wind should be included in the 2022-2023 Transmission Planning Process Base Case and the Commission [CPUC] should preserve transmission deliverability rights for offshore wind, especially in the Central Coast area."
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September 23, 2021
Statement on Gov. Newsom Signing AB 525 to Spur Offshore Wind Power Development in California
Governor Newsom’s signing of AB 525 marks an historic milestone and major turning point for California’s offshore wind industry and workers. The landmark legislation was approved with overwhelming bipartisan backing by California’s Assembly and Senate, and broad support from labor, industry, environmental and environmental justice groups. It follows the Biden Administration and Gov. Newsom’s announcement for California offshore wind earlier this spring. The legislation directs state agencies to set offshore wind targets for 2030 and 2045 and prepare a strategic plan and timeline to spur responsible development of large-scale offshore wind power for the Golden State...
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September 13, 2021
Comments by Offshore Wind California to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Expanding the Morro Bay Call Area to Advance Offshore Wind Power off the California Coast
We want to begin by thanking the Biden Administration – in particular, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Departments of Interior and Defense – as well as other federal and Congressional leaders, Governor Gavin Newsom, California state agencies, and local and tribal leaders who helped resolve important sea-space issues to open up the state’s Central coast to offshore wind power development and operation. These combined governmental efforts were essential to advance next steps in the leasing process for the BOEM-designated Morro Bay call area and enable utility-scale development of an offshore clean energy resource for the Golden State.
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September 10, 2021
Statement on California Senate Approval of AB 525 to Spur Offshore Wind Power Development in the Golden State
This is great news and a major milestone for California’s offshore wind industry and workers. The state Senate’s 38-0 vote for AB 525 yesterday follows the Assembly’s initial 71-1 approval and the Biden Administration and Governor Newsom’s announcement for California offshore wind earlier this spring. The measure received final approval from the Assembly last night and was sent to Governor Newsom's desk for signature.
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September 9, 2021
Comments to the California Coastal Commission on Advancing Offshore Wind Power off the California Coast
I’m Adam Stern, executive director of Offshore Wind California (OWC), a business association of offshore wind developers and technology companies. I’d like to commend all of the state and federal officials for your thorough and thoughtful presentations today.
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July 13, 2021
OWC Comments for BOEM California Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force Meeting on Next Steps to Advance Offshore Wind Power Off the California Coast
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May 28, 2021
Statement on California Assembly Approval of AB 525 to Spur Offshore Wind Power Development in the Golden State
This is excellent news and builds more momentum for California’s offshore wind industry and workers. Just days after the Biden Administration and Governor Newsom announced a key breakthrough for offshore wind in the Golden State, the California Assembly has voted 71-1 in overwhelming bipartisan approval for new legislation, AB 525 (Chiu), that calls on state agencies to develop a strategic plan and timeline to spur responsible development for offshore wind power.
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May 25, 2021
Offshore Wind California Applauds Biden Administration for Clearing the Way to Bring Gigawatts of Clean, Utility-Scale Offshore Wind Power to the Golden State
Menlo Park, CA (May 25, 2021) – Offshore Wind California (OWC), a group of wind industry leaders, applauded an announcement by the Biden Administration today that the Departments of Interior and Defense have reached agreement on California sea-space and other issues, clearing the way to move ahead with responsible development of the Golden State's multi-gigawatt (GW) offshore wind power potential on its Central and North coasts.
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May 14, 2021
Statement on Governor Newsom’s Inclusion of $20 Million to Spur Responsible Offshore Wind Development in Revised Budget
We are very pleased that Governor Newsom has committed $20 million in California’s proposed FY 2021-22 budget revision as a down payment to spur responsible development of offshore wind power. These funds, if approved by the Legislature, will enable the state to engage with key stakeholders, accelerate the permitting of offshore wind projects, and upgrade port infrastructure needed to build out the offshore wind supply chain. This is an important investment and a sign of things to come for Golden State workers and its nascent offshore wind industry.
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May 11, 2021
Statement on Biden Administration’s Approval of the Vineyard Wind Project, the First Utility-Scale, Offshore Wind Farm in the U.S.
Menlo Park, California (May 11, 2021) – This is great news and a major milestone for America’s offshore wind industry and its workers. The Vineyard Wind project off Massachusetts will be the first utility-scale offshore wind farm to put “steel in the water” in the United States. It will demonstrate the power of this renewable energy technology to deliver gigawatts of competitively priced electricity and family-wage, union jobs for America’s clean energy economy, while protecting marine and coastal resources.
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April 14, 2021
Statement Regarding President Biden’s Nomination of Tommy Beaudreau as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior
Menlo Park, California (April 14, 2021) – Tommy Beaudreau is an excellent choice to serve as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Interior. He knows climate and clean energy, including offshore wind, and is well respected on both sides of the aisle. Having previously served in the Obama Administration as chief of staff at Interior and director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), he can work with other federal agencies to advance renewable energy resources such as offshore wind. We urge the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to support Mr. Beaudreau’s nomination and for the full U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm him. We look forward to working with Mr. Beaudreau to deliver on the promise of clean, reliable, offshore wind power for California.
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April 5, 2021
Offshore Wind California Joins Broad Coalition of 110 Advocacy Organizations and Firms Backing Biden Administration Initiative to Kickstart US Offshore Wind Sector
Menlo Park, California (April 5, 2021) Offshore Wind California (OWC), a group of wind industry leaders, announced it has joined a broad coalition of U.S. nonprofits, labor unions, developers, and environmental justice organizations in supporting the Biden Administration's initiative to significantly expand offshore wind leasing and investment, and generate 30 gigawatts (GW) of U.S. offshore wind power by 2030.
"This is exciting news for U.S. offshore wind power and jobs on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts," said Adam Stern, Executive Director, OWC, a trade group of offshore wind developers and technology firms. "We welcome the Biden Administration’s commitment to jumpstart America’s offshore wind industry by advancing new lease sales and permitting, investing in port and transmission infrastructure, and setting a 30 GW national goal by 2030 to drive economies of scale and supply chain build-out.
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March 29, 2021
Comments on Biden Administration Offshore Wind Announcement
Menlo Park, California (March 29, 2021) – California has enormous potential to be a leader in environmentally responsible development of offshore wind, which can generate thousands of family wage jobs, at least 10 GW of clean electricity by 2040 (with an interim target of 3 GW by 2030), and help the Golden State meet its ambitious climate goals. We urge the Departments of Interior and Defense – with help from the White House – to move rapidly to resolve California sea space issues on the Central Coast and announce a lease auction schedule by the end of this year. Full speed ahead!
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June 8, 2020
Naval Energies Joins Offshore Wind California
Paris, France (8 June 2020) – Naval Energies announced today that it has joined Offshore Wind California, an international association of offshore wind developers and technology companies focused on the California market. Founded in October 2019 in San Francisco, the association represents industry leaders who support a goal of 10 gigawatts (GW) of installed offshore wind capacity in California by 2040.
Adam Stern, executive director of Offshore Wind California, commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Naval Energies to our organization. This French company will bring new talent and expertise to the California market. We look forward to working with the Naval Energies team as we advance policies for the responsible development of offshore wind in California.”
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October 1, 2019
Industry Leaders Join Forces to Kickstart California's Offshore Wind Sector, Urge 10 GW Goal to Generate Jobs, Green Growth & 100% Renewable Power in State
San Francisco, California (October 1, 2019) – Today, a coalition of wind industry leaders announced the launch of Offshore Wind California (OWC). Committed to providing industry expertise, innovative solutions, and a dedicated voice for offshore wind in California, OWC is poised to lead the promotion of responsible and sustainable deployment of offshore wind power in the state’s energy system.
California is well-positioned to break out as the next investment hot spot for America's booming offshore wind industry, which is taking off with more than 22 gigawatts (GW) in commitments by East Coast states and $70 billion in supply chain spending by 2030, said industry leaders today at the Pacific Rim Offshore Wind conference. Citing advances in floating platform technology and declining cost, OWC urged California to set a goal of reaching a minimum of 10 GW of offshore wind by 2040, to generate jobs, growth and meet the state’s commitment to 100 percent renewable power by 2045.
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For media inquiries contact:
Garth Neuffer, (215) 840-3692, garth.neuffer@offshorewindCA.org
Adam Stern, (510) 681-4483, adam.stern@offshorewindCA.org