NOIA: New wind opportunities offshore Oregon and in the central Atlantic are welcome news

National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito said the Department of the Interior’s announcement that two Calls for Information and Nominations for possible offshore wind leasing areas offshore Oregon and in the Central Atlantic will be published in the Federal Register is welcome news.

“The more offshore wind leases and the greater the geographical diversity of new American offshore wind projects, the greater the benefits will be to the national supply chain,” Milito said. “Offshore wind is a national endeavor that benefits communities, through new jobs and investments, far beyond the states immediately onshore from lease areas.”

The Calls for Information and Nominations for the Central Atlantic, which potentially includes areas offshore North Carolina, underscores the need for an immediate legislative fix that rescinds the upcoming prohibition on new offshore wind lease sales, he said.

Starting July 1, there will be a 10-year moratorium on offshore wind leasing in the area stretching from North Carolina down through the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. NOIA is strongly advocating for legislation revoking the ban. Overturning the moratorium has been non-controversial.

“Language is already included in the America Competes Act and was previously included in the Build Back Better Act text,” Milito said. “Congressional leaders should continue their bipartisan work in passing legislation that overturns the moratorium and allows for additional future lease sales."