A bill has been introduced to the House of Representatives in the US state of Oregon that would set a goal and plan for the development of 3GW of floating offshore wind by 2030.
The proposal, introduced by Republican Representative David Brock Smith, states that a planning scenario for developing 3GW of floating offshore wind within the federal waters off the Oregon by 2030 would “trigger immediate economic benefits” to the state.
The bill – known as HB3375 – would also establish a task force on floating wind energy.
The task force would develop a floating offshore wind development strategic plan that would be submitted to interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy no later than 15 September 2022.
It would examine, among other things, the potential for the sector in Oregon, recommend a state and federal permitting timeline for projects, and identify measures for minimising conflicts with existing ocean users in federal waters off the Oregon coast.
The task force would also evaluate options for integrating project development with the state’s ports and evaluate the potential economic, ecological, workforce and functionality impacts on Oregon’s ports.
Local content would also be looked at, as well impacts on the state’s fishing industry.
HB3375 is now at the committee stage within the House Committee on Energy and Environment.