American Wind Energy Association urges Department of Interior to advance offshore wind projects

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) celebrated Friday the first anniversary of a record-breaking auction for three offshore wind lease areas and urged the U.S. Department of the Interior to take steps to support offshore wind projects.

Last year, the rights to develop the three lease areas off the coast of Massachusetts sold for a combined $405 million to Mayflower Wind Energy, Equinor, and Vineyard Wind.

“Last year’s auction results erased any doubts that harnessing the winds off America’s shores offers a tremendous investment opportunity,” Laura Morton, AWEA senior director for policy and regulatory affairs, offshore, said. “But this represents more than a big investment—it means well-paying American jobs, a new U.S. supply chain, and a homegrown clean energy source. The Department of Interior can expedite the creation of these benefits by holding firm to its directives to create a predictable regulatory environment throughout the energy sector, continuing to advance offshore wind projects under development, and conducting lease auctions as promised early next year.”

Earlier this year, AWEA, along with the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) and Consumers’ Energy Alliance (CEA) sent letters to Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross urging them to recognize the economic benefits of offshore wind and the potential role of offshore wind in increasing American energy dominance.