Coast Guard law change would ‘cripple’ US offshore wind industry – American Clean Power Association

A change to US Coast Guard laws could “cripple” the country’s nascent offshore wind industry, according to industry body the American Clean Power Association (ACP).

The ACP is concerned that the 2022 Coast Guard Authorization Act (CGAA) – which was passed in the House of Representatives this week – will prevent the US hitting the Biden administration’s target of 30GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.

The law would require all crew members to be either US citizens or permanent residents, or citizens of the flag under which they are sailing.

Louisiana representative Garret Graves, the CGAA’s sponsor, gave testimony during a transportation and infrastructure committee hearing, noting that the Act would require crews’ citizenship to be aligned with the flag of their vessel.

“It does not block or ban foreign vessels, but it does try to have some degree of parity [with US vessels],” he added.

However, the ACP is still concerned about the Act, which needs to be passed by the Senate in order to become law. 

CEO Heather Zichal: “ACP strongly supports a robust Coast Guard and its mission to ensure the nation’s maritime safety, security, and stewardship. However, we are extremely concerned about the maritime crewing provision as it will cripple the development of the American offshore wind industry. ”

Analysts IHS Market had previously warned that a lack of specialised US-flagged installation  and service vessels would hinder the industry, and contribute to the US falling short of its 30GW target.