States traditionally resistant to renewable energy are passing legislation to ease the way for offshore wind production as lawmakers realize the potential economic benefits to their states.
“The offshore wind industry, which produces little electricity today, is poised to grow exponentially in the coming years as long-awaited projects come online, and more waters are opened for leasing,” writes Alex Brown in Governing. While some states mandate certain amounts of offshore wind energy, Schulman writes, others have been reluctant to do so. Now, with the economic benefits of offshore wind becoming more apparent, some state legislators are hoping their states can cash in.
On the East Coast, “Eight states set goals or mandates that total 39 gigawatts of capacity by 2040. Many have invested in ports, workforce development, transmission infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.”
The article outlines recently passed or proposed laws that support offshore wind production, such as a Massachusetts bill that would establish an investment fund and a Maryland law that streamlines the process for renewable energy credits. On the West Coast, “Federal officials are expected to hold the first offshore wind lease sale in California waters this fall, and state regulators there have twice voted to allow the lease phase of projects to move forward.”
Even in the South, where energy interests have largely suppressed the development of renewable energy infrastructure, lawmakers hope to reverse that trend. “Louisiana legislators, for example, passed a law this year to allow for leasing of state waters in the Gulf of Mexico for offshore wind projects.”
FULL STORY: More States Back Offshore Wind, Citing Economic Potential
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Commentary: Colorado Will Forge Ahead With Conservation Work
While federal policy may become less friendly to environmental efforts, support from state legislators and agencies can prevent the state from backsliding.
Expanding the Mission: Community Groups Serving Schools
Some community development organizations have added education to their traditional focus on housing and economic development, looking for ways to support families and children by partnering with local school districts. How is it working?
DeKalb County Launches Housing Assistance Program
The $13 million initiative will support local organizations providing wrap-around services and housing assistance to residents at risk of eviction or experiencing homelessness.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Caltrans
Los Alamos County
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners