The Biden administration and California announced a pact May 25 to accelerate offshore wind development in two areas of deeper Pacific Ocean waters to move the U.S. along in meeting President Joe Biden’s goal of 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030. The agreement includes new buy-in from the U.S. Defense Dept. which has blocked development in the past, citing use of large ocean areas for weapons testing and military training.
Sector participants point to White House pressure to address the issues, with a nudge from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who asked the administration "to step in and resolve the conflict," says one offshore wind development executive.