US House Democrats have introduced a Bill which would set a 25GW by 2030 offshore wind target for the US, including 12.5GW by 2025.
The Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act was introduced by House Natural Resources Committee Chair Raúl M. Grijalva and also includes sections aiming to remove data-sharing ‘roadblocks’, increase research funding and extend collaboration with the offshore wind industry.
American Wind Energy Association chief executive Tom Kiernan has welcomed the inclusion of offshore wind in the legislation.
“The Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act will help blow the wind into the sails of the American offshore wind industry,” he said. “AWEA expects 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030 will produce 83,000 jobs and $25 billion in annual economic output – this Act will go a long way in realizing those benefits. We look forward to continuing to work with these and other leaders on this important legislation.”
The bill was unveiled at a virtual press conference together with co-lead, House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Chair Kathy Castor.
In addition to the wind target, the Ocean-Based Climate Solution Act supports the transition to a clean energy economy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with ocean sectors and increasing ocean-based renewable energy, supporting the move away from fossil fuels and protect the ocean and coastal habitats that are important to healthy fish, marine wildlife, and coastal economies.
Democrats said it would restore US leadership in international ocean governance, as well as recognising the carbon storage potential and other co-benefits provided by “blue carbon” ecosystems like salt marshes, sea grasses, and mangroves.
It also authorises investment in coastal restoration and resilience that Democrats would be a “win-win-win” for the US economy, “frontline communities”, and environment.
It aims to promote and protect healthy ocean systems and wildlife populations, to make them better able to adapt to the effects of climate change, and will provide support for the management of fisheries in a changing climate and tackle challenges around ocean acidification and algal blooms.