FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Allison MacMunn
allison@sunstonestrategies.org, 312.622.4004
California Senate unanimously passes bill to advance offshore wind development
Labor, environmental justice, climate and conservation groups applaud bill’s advancement, called for swift passage in the California Assembly
Sacramento, CA—As the state faces climate-driven drought and a resulting dip in hydroelectric power, California’s development of clean, renewable offshore wind energy edged closer to reality. Today, the California Senate passed AB 525, which would direct state agencies to prepare for development of utility-scale offshore wind energy. Labor, climate and environmental justice groups applauded the continued momentum of the bill as a key step that could support a cleaner, more resilient electricity grid, especially as the state faces the risk of blackouts due to dwindling power.
“Clean energy from offshore wind offers the promise of climate resiliency for Californians, especially for frontline communities who bear a disproportionate burden of climate and air quality impacts,” said Eddie Ahn, executive director at Brightline Defense. “We welcome the swift advancement and passage of AB 525 into law to achieve not only cleaner air and environmental equity, but also more high quality jobs.”
Today’s advancement of the bill follows a historic agreement between the state of California and the federal government to open up California coastal waters to offshore wind development. Offshore wind development is a key part of California’s most cost-effective pathway to 100% clean energy.
“We are now one step closer to harnessing the incredible renewable power of offshore wind. As we end another summer of wildfires and drought, developing this untapped clean resource will allow us to quickly meet our 100% clean energy goals and fight climate change at a time our state desperately needs to do so,” said Lizzi Nickerson, clean energy associate with Environment California. “Offshore wind is a key part of our clean energy future and we have no time to waste. I applaud the California Senate’s decision today.”
Through the development of just five offshore wind sites, California could provide up to 25% of the state’s electricity needs — helping to improve air quality in communities that breathe some of the nation’s dirtiest air.
“A sustainable future includes a more resilient energy grid as well as investments in clean energy jobs. The development of offshore wind would create thousands of high-quality, career-track jobs in both manufacturing and construction,” said Jeff Hunerlach, district representative at Operating Engineers Humboldt County. “A vote for AB 525 is a vote for a more prosperous, sustainable California.”
A recent report from the Schwarzenegger Institute found that developing 10 gigawatts of offshore wind would contribute toward total revenue cost savings of approximately $1 billion, and would also create up to 65,000 jobs during the construction phases and up to 4,500 operation and maintenance jobs for the entire lifetime of the facilities.
AB 525 will next move back to the assembly for a final vote.
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