California sets ambitious offshore wind goals to combat climate change

In a recent government hearing, California officials discussed the state's ambitious offshore wind energy goals, following the passage of Assembly Bill 525 in 2021. The legislation mandates the California Energy Commission (CEC) to establish planning targets for offshore wind, aiming for the deployment of between two to five gigawatts by 2030 and 25 gigawatts by 2045. This initiative is seen as a critical step toward achieving California's climate objectives and will require extensive collaboration among federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, as well as private businesses and communities.

Assemblymember Wood emphasized the importance of expediting efforts to meet these climate goals, particularly in light of potential offshore wind areas off the Humboldt coast. He noted that California can learn from existing offshore wind projects on the East Coast and abroad, which could inform the state's approach.

The hearing featured insights from various stakeholders, including Doug Boren from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), who highlighted the federal government's commitment to offshore wind development. Boren noted that the Biden administration has set a target of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, with significant investments already made in supply chain development.

Boren also discussed the recent auction of five offshore wind lease areas off California, which generated over $757 million in bids. This auction included provisions for workforce training and community benefit agreements, aimed at ensuring that local communities and tribal nations are engaged in the development process.

Assemblymember Hartley expressed support for offshore wind development, particularly its potential to create jobs and provide clean energy while protecting coastal resources. He highlighted the importance of understanding the impacts on local communities and ratepayers, calling for expert testimony on ensuring that offshore wind is both environmentally responsible and cost-effective.

The hearing underscored the ongoing commitment of California's government to foster a robust offshore wind industry while addressing the concerns of various stakeholders, including tribal nations and fishing communities. As the state moves forward with its strategic plan, the collaboration between agencies and communities will be essential to the successful deployment of offshore wind energy in California.