The US House passed a bill on Monday that could bring offshore wind farms to territories like Guam and Puerto Rico.
The Offshore Wind for Territories Act would amend federal law to allow development in federal waters off the coasts of five US territories, including American Samoa, Mariana Island and the US Virgin Islands.
HR 6665 was introduced by Del. Madeleine Bordallo, a non-voting member of Congress representing Guam, and supported by representatives for all five territories affected by the bill. The House Committee on Natural Resources approved the bill in September.
Representatives of the offshore wind industry and the US Department of the Interior spoke in support of the legislation during a committee hearing earlier this summer.
The president of the National Ocean Industries Association immediately released a statement calling on US Senate leaders to pass the bill.
“The House passage of HR 6665 is welcome news for many Americans this holiday season,” NOIA President Randall Luthi said. “Too often, Americans in the US territories are our forgotten citizens. The Offshore Wind for Territories Act empowers US territories such as Guam and Puerto Rico to tap their offshore resources and strengthen their energy security, all while providing jobs and economic growth for hardworking Americans.”