Federal Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act promotes offshore wind development
U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) introduced the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act, a bill that addresses the ocean impacts of climate change, reform federal ocean management, and promotes offshore wind energy.
A key part of the bill is that it seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with ocean sectors by calling for an increase in ocean-based renewable energy. Among its goals, the bill looks to promote offshore wind energy and other marine energy research, protect and restore “blue carbon” ecosystems, promotes wetland health and restoration, establish a pathway to protect 30 percent of our ocean by 2030, prohibit oil and gas leasing in all areas of the Outer Continental Shelf, and enhance the fuel efficiency of our fishing vessel fleet, among others.
Overall, it seeks to codify a National Ocean Policy and enhance ocean data collection and monitoring,
“A healthy ocean is key to fighting the climate crisis,” Grijalva said at a press conference. “This bill provides a roadmap for ocean and coastal climate resilience, and responsibly uses them to curb the pollution that is intensifying the climate crisis. We must stop the ongoing damage to our oceans to protect the food, jobs, and coastlines that millions of Americans depend on. A healthy ocean is an environmental justice issue, and we made sure to put protections for low income and communities of color at the front and center. I’m grateful for the true champions for our ocean who joined me today. I could think of no better partners in this fight than the Members of Congress, scientists, and advocates who have been my partners in advancing climate solutions for our oceans.”
The bill was co-sponsored by Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Mike Levin (D-CA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Deb Haaland (D-NM), Gregorio Sablan (D-CNMI), Donald McEachin (D-VA), Ed Case (D-HI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Julia Brownley (D-CA).
“The ocean is a powerful ally in the climate fight, and unleashing its potential will help us reach our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier,” Castor said. “The Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act incorporates many of the recommendations in our Climate Crisis Action Plan, which gives Congress a roadmap for creating a healthier, more resilient, and more just America. It will unleash the incredible power of the ocean and address the threat that offshore drilling poses to America’s coastal communities, including my own community in the Tampa Bay.”
The legislation has garnered support from environmental as well as industry groups.
“The Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act will help blow the wind into the sails of the American offshore wind industry, setting national offshore wind goals of 12.5GW on the outer continental shelf by 2025 and 25GW by 2030,” Tom Kiernan, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). “AWEA expects 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030 will produce 83,000 jobs and $25 billion in annual economic output—this Act will go a long way in realizing those benefits. We look forward to continuing to work with these and other leaders on this important legislation.”
