The US Supreme Court’s ruling in the West Virginia versus EPA case that curtails the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to limit emissions from the energy sector is a backwards step, according to the Business Network for Offshore Wind.
Business Network for Offshore Wind vice president of federal and state policy John Begala said: “The trajectory is clear – states, utilities, and consumers are demanding more renewable energy to create jobs and combat climate change.
“Offshore wind will play a critical role in this transition as a provider of clean, reliable, and affordable energy while creating 77,000 well-paying jobs for welders, technicians, factory workers, and ship captains.
“A supply chain of domestic businesses supporting this industry is already emerging, attracting over $12bn in investments in the US market to rebuild our ports, build new manufacturing facilities, and construct nearly two dozen new vessels.
“It’s a great start, but it is not enough. We need more focus on building a robust domestic supply chain capable of reaching our nation’s ambitious offshore wind goals and to counter fierce global competition for offshore wind jobs and investments.
“In the wake of (the) ruling, Congress should work to accelerate the development of offshore wind, and all renewable energy, to create well-paying jobs and keep the nation on a path to a cleaner energy future.”