The federal government announced a lease sale for locations along the California coast approved for offshore wind energy production.
California’s offshore wind industry got a boost Tuesday when the Department of Interior announced a DEcember 6 lease sale for areas identified as appropriate for offshore wind energy production along the state’s central and northern coasts. Ella Nilsen, reporting for CNN, notes that “The space that will be offered is more than 373,000 acres, which Interior said could produce over 4.5 gigawatts of energy when fully developed – enough to power more than 1.5 million homes.”
According to the article, “The lease sale will be closely watched not only for its energy potential but also for its revenue; a similar lease sale off the coast of New York and New Jersey in February grossed $4.37 billion, setting a record for the highest ever offshore energy lease sale, both for wind and oil and gas.”
The deeper sea floor off the California coast poses more challenges than sites in the Atlantic, requiring floating turbines that can be anchored. “Other future floating offshore wind developments and lease sales are being planned off the coasts of Oregon and the Gulf of Maine, though the dates of those lease sales have not been set.”
FULL STORY: Biden moves one step closer to making giant Pacific Ocean wind turbines a reality
New York Offshore Wind Farm Offers Hope for Nascent Industry
The first commercial-scale offshore wind installation in the United States is powering roughly 70,000 homes in Long Island, New York.
Offshore Wind Zone Proposed for the East Coast
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.
Bringing Community Voices Into Renewable Energy Planning
The MIT Renewable Energy Clinic helps coastal communities navigate the complexities of offshore wind development through neutral, inclusive engagement that surfaces local concerns and supports fair decision-making.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)