More than 25 individuals commented in support of ambitious offshore wind goals at a recent California Energy Commission meeting.
Dozens of citizens urged the California Energy Commission to set the bar high for when it comes to offshore wind development at a recent public meeting. In total, 25 California citizens urged the Commission to set a goal of having 5 gigawatts of offshore wind installed by 2030 and 20 gigawatts by 2045. That would be enough electricity to power 14 million of today’s average homes.
According to Environment America Research & Policy Center’s report, Offshore Wind for America, California could technically produce enough offshore wind energy to meet more than 100% of the state’s electricity use.
At the national level, the President Biden has set an offshore wind goal of 30 gigawatts by 2030.
To solidify its role as a national clean energy leader, attendees of the commission meeting urged California to plan big by committing to 5 gigawatts of capacity developed by 3030, increasing to to 20 gigawatts by 2045.
America's offshore wind resources are vast and have the technical potential to meet our current electricity needs more than twice over. One obstacle is the federal permitting process for new projects, which is lengthy and subject to delays. Take action to urge the Bureau of Ocean Management to reduce delays and prioritize timely, responsible development of this abundant and reliable resource.
California can go big on offshore wind while also protecting ocean ecosystems.
