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

Meeting Recordings

Previous Council Meeting

March Council meeting

Mar 4–11, 2025

Vancouver, WA

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

Upcoming Council Meeting

April Council meeting

Apr 9–15, 2025

San Jose, CA

DoubleTree San Jose 2050 Gateway Place - San Jose, CA 95110 408-453-4000

Events

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

Contacts

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