U.S. sets May offshore wind auction for areas off the Carolinas
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The move is the latest in a broad government effort to put wind turbines in federal waters along every U.S. coastline, with a goal of generating 30 gigawatts of power from offshore wind by 2030. U.S. President Joe Biden has said the new industry will serve to create good-paying jobs and combat climate change.
On the heels of a record offshore lease sale in
The auction "provides yet another excellent opportunity to
strengthen the clean energy industry while creating good-paying
union jobs," said Interior Secretary
Environmental group Oceana praised the announcement, saying "offshore wind is a critical piece of the puzzle when confronting the climate crisis and replacing the dirty fossil fuels that are driving climate change."
A fishing industry group, however, said the sale notice lacked important protections for fisheries, including a buffer area between leases.
"BOEM is repeating several mistakes it's made in other
regions," Responsible Offshore Development Alliance Executive
Director
The sale notice includes several stipulations meant to boost the domestic offshore wind supply chain, including offering a 20% credit to bidders if they invest in workforce training programs or supply chain development.
It also requires potential lessees to identify Tribal Nations, underserved communities, and other ocean users and report their engagement activities with these parties to the Interior Department as part of the federal government's pledge to address environmental justice concerns.
Offshore wind power in
While most U.S. offshore wind planning to date has been in
the Northeast, Avangrid Inc (AGR) is seeking a federal permit
for a 69-turbine project 44 miles off the coast of