Windfloat Atlantic off the coast of Portugal is the first floating wind farm installed in continental Europe. That type of floating technology is driving a push for new offshore wind development off the United States’ Pacific coast. Credit Hugo Amaral / SOPA Images / PEW

Offshore wind

Offshore wind on the Pacific coast

Planning and development of offshore wind (OSW) energy generation in United States waters has accelerated greatly as a result of Executive Order 14008Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, issued January 27, 2021, and a related Administration action to deploy 30 Gigawatts of OSW energy by 2030. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is the lead Federal agency responsible for offshore energy exploration and development in the U.S. and has embarked on an ambitious effort to identify areas suitable for OSW development, and to auction off the rights to develop specific areas.  The Council has engaged closely with BOEM to identify and minimize any potential impacts to fishing activities, habitats (including essential fish habitat), and coastal communities.  On the West Coast, BOEM has identified potential OSW areas off California and Oregon. 

Windfloat Atlantic off the coast of Portugal is the first floating wind farm installed in continental Europe. That type of floating technology is driving a push for new offshore wind development off the United States’ Pacific coast. Credit Hugo Amaral / SOPA Images / PEW

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Previous Council Meeting

April Council meeting

Apr 1–7, 2023

Foster City, CA

Crowne Plaza - Foster City Hotel 1221 Chess Drive, Foster City, CA 94404 Phone: 650-570-5700

Upcoming Council Meeting

June Council meeting

Jun 21–27, 2023

Vancouver, WA

Hilton Vancouver Washington 301 W. Sixth Street Vancouver, WA 98660 USA Phone: 360-993-4500

Picture of a wind turbine on the ground in shipping yard.

Contacts

Kerry Griffin
503-820-2409
kerry.griffin@noaa.gov