California’s state Senate has passed legislation that will enable large-scale procurements of offshore wind and other clean energy sources.
Bill AB 1373 was passed by 29-10 in the Senate, with the state Assembly, which previously approved the Bill, voting in concurrence with the Senate’s amendments. The move paves the way for California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign the legislation into law, which is expected by 14 October.
The Bill will authorise California’s Department of Water Resources to purchase renewable energy resources, providing renewable energy developers with a guaranteed buyer in the event that the state’s utilities and other groups do not sign their own agreements.
“Passage of this legislation shows California is serious about going big on offshore wind and positioning itself as a leader and global hub of this important clean-energy resource,” said executive director at Offshore Wind California Adam Stern.
“AB 1373 provides a vital tool to help the Golden State invest at scale, build at scale, and procure at scale for the long lead-time renewable resources it needs to complement its clean-power portfolio and meet its ambitious climate, clean-energy, and grid-reliability goals.”
Founder and chief executive of the Business Network for Offshore Wind Liz Burdock added: “California is putting together the pieces necessary to bring a new industry to life. Floating offshore wind is the future of the offshore wind industry and the actions taken by California’s legislature positions the West Coast at the centre of this exciting and rapidly expanding sector.
“This new procurement authority is essential to unlocking the billions in new investments needed for port redevelopments, vessels, supply chain expansions, and manufacturing facilities. Once signed into law, the bill will lead to thousands of new jobs and clean, reliable energy for millions of homes.”