Federal support for offshore wind projects is helping the industry grow, with nine projects approved so far this year.

In a piece for Sierra magazine, Sarah Giltz and Nancy Pyne highlight the growth of the offshore wind industry in the United States. “Today there are enough offshore wind projects moving forward to power nearly 5 million homes,” Giltz and Pyne write.
According to the authors, a new plan from the Department of the Interior “increases transparency and predictability and creates greater regulatory certainty for offshore wind,” while other federal agencies are also working to develop policy recommendations and modernize renewable energy infrastructure. “By 2030, offshore wind is expected to create 77,000 family-sustaining jobs, support thousands of small businesses, and inject hundreds of millions of dollars in local communities.”
The authors emphasize the need for project labor agreements to ensure that the industry provides stable, high-quality jobs. “It’s clear that partnerships are key as developers, unions, conservation organizations and communities work to build this new industry together. Collaboration will be essential to build on the current momentum and ensure the offshore wind industry creates good jobs and provides real benefits to local communities.”
FULL STORY: Offshore Wind Development in the US is Reaching Gale Force

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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