Elizabeth Nickerson
Statement: California legislature passes bill that will kickstart state’s offshore wind development
Media Contacts
Josh Chetwynd
The golden state takes monumental step towards 100% clean energy
Environment America
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California State Legislature passed a landmark bill Thursday night directing state regulators to set a target for offshore wind energy. AB 525, which is cosponsored by Environment California and supported by a coalition of labor, climate and environmental justice groups, moves the state one step closer to developing offshore wind power off the coast of California. The bill will advance the planning for the development of the first utility-scale offshore wind projects off the West Coast. It now heads to the governor’s desk.
According to a recent report, California has enough offshore wind power potential to meet 157% of the state’s 2019 electricity use. The bill acts as a first step to tapping into that potential. The passage of this bill comes as the Biden administration has been advancing offshore wind projects along the East Coast.
Environment California is a state partner of Environment America.
Elizabeth Nickerson, Clean Energy associate with Environment California, issued this statement:
“Investing in offshore wind is an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to California building an electricity grid that is resilient, reliable and renewable. This is so vital in the face of such turbo-charged climate calamities as heat waves, fires and drought that are facing our state and our nation. In passing California’s offshore wind bill, the legislature put our state on the right path to building our resilience, improving our air quality, and addressing climate impacts.”
Jolie Jaycobs, Go Big on Offshore Wind associate with Environment America, issued the following statement:
“For too long, California’s offshore wind potential has been an untapped resource. This bill sets in motion the momentum needed to expand offshore wind in a state that is a proven leader in renewable energy. The landmark legislation means that America will now have a platform to develop offshore wind power from coast to coast.”
