US Offshore Wind Industry Gains Momentum

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.”