Plans for Offshore Wind in California Unveiled

Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom along with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl announced initial areas for offshore wind development that could total 4.6 gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind (OSW) combined, with one area off the Humboldt Coast of northern California and an area that encompasses 399 square miles northwest of Morro Bay along the central coast. Governor Newsom’s proposed budget includes $20 million to fund offshore wind capacity for the state, including support for new dedicated staff positions within the California Coastal Commission and California Department of Fish and Wildlife to accelerate environmental review and analysis.

“With the increase in offshore wind development along our nation’s coasts, this is a truly pivotal opportunity for California to meet clean energy goals while demonstrating responsible development strategies that protect our environment,” said Pamela Flick, California program director for Defenders of Wildlife. “While these initial areas identified for offshore wind development will provide significant energy, climate and economic benefits to local communities, the state and the western grid, it is critically important that California undertake comprehensive ‘Smart from the Start’ planning to avoid important resources and select least-conflict areas for development.”

Earlier this spring, the White House announced a goal of 30 GW of offshore wind power by the end of the decade, offsetting fossil fuels and creating clean energy jobs. These bold actions to advance offshore wind energy development in the United States and targets are an important part of our nation’s clean energy future. Developing renewable energy is essential if we are to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, achieve a zero-carbon energy future and maintain our thriving economy, healthy communities and national role as an environmental leader.

Utility-scale offshore wind is new to the California coast, and as a global biodiversity hotspot, California has much to protect. With hundreds of marine and terrestrial species at risk of extinction, the development of renewable energy sources must advance in a responsible manner that protects wildlife and the ecosystems and resources we care about and depend upon.

“Defenders supports responsibly sited, developed and operated offshore wind and we look forward to working with the state to ensure that renewable energy development is informed by science-based conservation measures that consider imperiled wildlife, such as the humpback whales that seasonally migrate along our iconic coastline,” said Flick.

Defenders has long advocated for policies and actions to bring renewable energy projects to scale in an environmentally protective manner. Careful consideration of how we achieve this zero-carbon future is vital for protecting California’s internationally treasured wildlife, landscapes, marine ecosystems, cultural resources and diverse habitats.

OSW development must safeguard valuable and vulnerable ocean and terrestrial habitats, fish and wildlife, cultural resources and communities. If not sited and operated properly, offshore wind energy facilities can harm sensitive migratory birds and marine mammals that often face risks from other types of development. These considerations will also help to ensure that offshore wind plays a reliable role in meeting the ambitious climate and clean energy goals throughout the west coast.