A "priority offshore wind zone" between Long Island and New Jersey could accelerate permits and help the industry gain a foothold in the United States.
As part of the Biden administration's efforts to increase the use of renewable energy sources, a new proposal "would designate an area between Long Island and New Jersey as a priority offshore wind zone and sets a goal of installing 30,000 megawatts of offshore wind turbines in coastal waters nationwide by 2030, generating enough clean electricity to power 10 million homes."
Lisa Friedman and Brad Plumer report that the administration wants to "accelerate permitting for proposed wind projects off the Atlantic coast, offer $3 billion in federal loan guarantees for offshore wind projects and upgrade the nation’s ports to support wind construction" in order to promote the industry. Officials say the offshore wind industry could "directly create 44,000 new jobs, such as building and installing turbines, and indirectly create another 33,000."
In February, "the Biden administration took a key step in approving the nation’s first large-scale offshore wind farm, off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts." The project includes "84 large turbines with 800 megawatts of electric generating capacity" and "is slated to come online by 2023." Twelve other proposed offshore wind projects on the East Coast are awaiting approval.
FULL STORY: The Biden administration makes a swath of ocean between New York and New Jersey an offshore wind zone.
Northern California Port Seeks Offshore Wind Lease
The Port of Humboldt has proposed a plan to modernize its facilities to accommodate offshore wind energy production, hoping to stimulate the local economy and create sustainable jobs.
West Coast Offshore Wind Takes a Step Forward
The federal government announced a lease sale for locations along the California coast approved for offshore wind energy production.
Offshore Wind Energy Faces Challenges on West Coast
Unique geography and high costs have stymied offshore wind energy production in California, but new incentives and innovations could soon make it more accessible.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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