FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Chloe Zilliac
chloe@sunstonestrategies.org, 650-644-8259
Governor Newsom signs California’s offshore wind bill; puts state on path to development
AB 525 directs state agencies to set a target for offshore wind energy and to create a strategic plan for utility-scale development
Sacramento, CA—At a press conference today at the site of the still-burning KNP Complex Fire, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed California’s offshore wind bill into law, putting the state on a path to development for the first time. The signing took place alongside a $15 billion climate package — the state’s largest investment on climate to date.
AB 525 (Chiu) is aimed at jumpstarting California’s offshore wind industry by directing state agencies to set a target for development and prepare for utility scale offshore wind energy. The signing today comes on the heels of an overwhelming and bipartisan vote in the legislature to advance the bill earlier this month.
California has enormous offshore wind potential, but it has lagged behind the East Coast, Europe, and China in development. The signing of the bill today - which follows a historic agreement by the state of California and the federal government to open up California waters to development for the first time - signals that the state could be poised for rapid development of offshore wind energy.
A report earlier this year from the USC Schwarzenegger Institute found that developing 10 GW in California coastal waters has the potential to create 65,000 jobs during the construction phase and 4,500 long-term operation and maintenance jobs. The report also found 10 GW of offshore wind could deliver $1 billion in annual resource cost savings.
Labor, climate and environmental justice groups applauded the signing as a key step that will advance air quality gains in frontline communities, create high quality jobs, and support a cleaner and more resilient electricity grid.
STATEMENTS
“Governor Newsom’s signing of AB 525 today marks a truly historic moment for the future of offshore wind energy in California. This kind of action on clean energy is exactly the kind of momentum our state needs. Rapid investment in offshore wind development will support California in meeting our clean air and climate targets, while boosting the resilience and reliability of our electricity grid.”
Laura Deehan, state director for Environment California.
“Investing in offshore wind energy will support California in delivering cleaner air to the environmental justice communities burdened by fossil fuel pollution, while creating thousands of urgently-needed jobs. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for taking this key step to invest in the clean energy resources that are needed to protect public health.”
Eddie Ahn, executive director at Brightline Defense.
“Signing AB 525 into law puts California on a path to offshore wind development for the first time. Investing in this clean energy resource will create thousands of career-track jobs in manufacturing and construction in communities that currently lack these opportunities. Now, it’s time for the state of California to move full-speed ahead toward development.”
Jeff Hunerlach, district representative at Operating Engineers Humboldt County.
“By signing AB 525, Governor Newsom and his team can make California a global leader on floating offshore wind and bring a suite of economic, environmental, and energy benefits to all Californians. The strong coalition of support for offshore wind shows its promise and potential to create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, attract new investment, and decarbonize the grid. To make good on this promise, we have to have a plan. Now it’s time for all of us to get to work.”
Danielle Osborn Mills, state director at American Clean Power-CA.
“California needs electricity from a diverse mix of clean sources, including offshore wind. By signing AB 525 today, Gov. Newsom is helping to propel California forward toward the responsible development of this important clean energy resource.”
Jason Barbose, interim western states director at Union of Concerned Scientists.
"California companies are ready to jumpstart the state's offshore wind industry to bring economic and public health benefits to the state.They know that a thriving offshore wind industry is critical to meeting the state's bold climate goals while delivering quality jobs and clean air to communities across the state. We applaud Governor Newsom for heeding their call and signing AB 525 into law.”
Jennifer Helfrich, senior manager, state policy, Ceres.
"Governor Newsom’s signing of AB 525 marks an historic milestone and major turning point for California’s offshore wind industry and workers," said Adam Stern, Executive Director, Offshore Wind California, a business association of offshore wind developers and technology companies. "We look forward to working with state and federal agencies to map out a path to achieve at least 10 GW of offshore wind for California by 2040."
Adam Stern, executive director, Offshore Wind California.
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