The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has hired Laura Smith Morton to lead policy and regulatory efforts in the offshore sector.
Morton takes on the role of senior director, policy and regulatory affairs, offshore wind.
She has more than 10 years of experience in offshore wind policy and regulatory issues, both as an attorney and through senior roles at the Department of Energy, Council on Environmental Quality and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
AWEA said Morton contributed to the original National Offshore Wind Strategy published by the DoE and Department of the Interior, which charted a course to build the US offshore wind industry.
Most recently, she served as a consultant to companies and non-profit organisations, including the National Audubon Society and the American Sustainable Business Council, on renewable energy, environment and water resources issues.
Morton will lead AWEA efforts in close coordination with the association’s member companies to resolve permitting and regulatory challenges impacting offshore wind projects in development and facilities in operation.
She said: “It’s immensely gratifying to be back working on offshore wind issues. As this new American energy industry scales up, we must strike the right balance with policies that encourage development, job creation, and the revitalisation of coastal infrastructure while also engaging with other ocean users to ensure all can prosper.
“I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work so this industry can put more steel in the water.”
AWEA vice president, policy and regulatory affairs Tom Vinson said: “We’re thrilled to have Laura on board as we help shape the industry’s next chapter
“Her proven experience securing progress through federal bureaucracies and strategic expertise overcoming federal and state permitting challenges will bolster our efforts to realise a thriving US offshore wind sector and a strong domestic supply chain.”