Bay State News

Washington - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Chris VanHollen (D-Md.), who led Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), in calling on President Joe Biden to designate a policy lead to facilitate greater interagency coordination around ocean use in order to keep offshore wind projects across the nation on track. The letter also urges the President to maximize leasing space for offshore wind development in the Central Atlantic Ocean – so that states in the region can meet their and the nation’s climate and clean energy goals while creating good-paying jobs in the growing offshore wind industry.

In their letter to the President, the lawmakers begin, “We are grateful for your commitment to rapidly deploying clean energy, and your stated goals of deploying 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2030, and 15 GW of floating offshore wind by 2035. However, meeting these goals requires a coordinated strategy to resolve conflicts between agencies and maximize the availability of leasing. We urge you to designate a policy lead who can work to resolve existing use conflicts and ensure that projects remain viable and on track.”

They emphasize how coordination across federal agencies is key to carrying out Congress’ intent in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, writing, “Congress sent a clear message of support for renewable energy development with the passage of the tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act for offshore wind manufacturing, investments, and electricity production. As we work with you to diversify our nation’s renewable energy portfolio and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we urge you to consider a sustainable deployment strategy that supports national security, environmental, navigational safety, and fishing priorities of all engaged stakeholders.”

“Given the complex balance that must be struck between ocean use priorities, we urge you to convene BOEM, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, and other relevant federal agencies, with the objective of identifying adequate acreage within the Central Atlantic Call Areas to meet current and future state goals and supply chain needs. Offshore wind energy provides a source of clean electricity that increases our energy security, helps fight the climate crisis, and creates tens of thousands of good-paying jobs for American workers,” they write.

Full text of the letter is available HERE.

Original source can be found here.