To support US offshore wind, congress must finish job

Saturday, November 6 2021

Wind Energy – U.S.A.

The U.S. House of Representatives took action last night in support of offshore wind by passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill that invests in the energy grid, new ports, and advances renewable energy development.

The U.S. House also passed rules regulating the Build Back Better package, setting the stage for final passage in the next few weeks.

The Build Back Better Act would be the single largest investment in clean energy and contains several provisions that directly impact the offshore wind industry.

Liz Burdock, CEO and President of the Business Network for Offshore Wind stated: “Offshore wind offers our nation a generational opportunity to create good-paying jobs and revitalize manufacturing while transitioning to a clean, renewable energy source. With today’s votes in the U.S. House of Representatives, Washington took another step forward in support of the offshore wind industry. Achieving the ambitious offshore wind goals set by the Biden Administration requires accelerating the development of a local supply chain as explosive growth in global markets draws investors’ attention away from the American market.”

“In the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Build Back Better legislation, Congress has shown that it is serious about advancing offshore wind and supporting the development of a U.S. supply chain that will fuel job growth in communities all around the nation. While passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill makes needed investments in our energy grid, ports, and research institutes, Congress must take the next step and pass the Build Back Better package, which includes mission critical investments in U.S. manufacturing and component development, further port investment and expanded transmission funding. All elements are critical for the full deployment of offshore wind in the U.S.”

“To create a local supply chain that will grow jobs and compete on the global stage, Congress must finish the job.”