For Immediate Release: August 28, 2026
Media Contact: [email protected]
BALTIMORE – Today, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the California Energy Commission (CEC) formally announced filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over the Administration’s unlawful buyout of Golden State Wind’s offshore wind energy lease.
In response, Oceantic Network has released the following statement from Liz Burdock, President and CEO:
“California’s decision to pursue legal action underscores a fundamental reality: states have the right to shape their own energy future and defend the investments, jobs, and economic opportunities tied to that vision. As a global leader in clean energy innovation, California has made clear that continued federal interference carries real economic consequences—not only for the state, but for the companies, workers, and communities that relied on the federal government honoring its commitments.
“While developers have a legitimate interest in being made whole when government actions disrupt legally acquired rights and investments, the bigger question is whether the federal government can simply buy its way out of statutory obligations and duly issued leases. These transactions raise serious legal, fiscal, and precedent-setting concerns that extend far beyond offshore wind. If left unchallenged, they risk creating uncertainty for any company considering long-term investment in American infrastructure.
“We applaud California for defending its economic interests, energy sovereignty, and ability to pursue a diverse energy portfolio that supports affordability, reliability, and long-term competitiveness.”
Oceantic estimates the cancellation of a single 1 GW offshore wind project permanently erases $8.5–$9.5 billion in U.S. economic output, based on peer reviewed modeling and operational project benchmarks from the East Coast. On average, about 3,350 construction jobs nationwide are lost, with substantial impacts on the in-state workforce depending on the project’s location, accompanied by hundreds of millions of dollars in lost wages.
Additional Information:
- California’s Offshore Wind Supply Chain
- Offshore Wind is Working Fact Sheet
- Oceantic State and Supply Chain Sector Fact Sheets
For more information or to arrange an interview with an Oceantic spokesperson, contact us at [email protected].
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At Oceantic Network, we envision a thriving offshore energy industry powering strong economies. Offshore wind energy is the gateway to a host of other ocean renewables, including green hydrogen, wave energy, offshore solar, and more. Our collaborative member network advances the offshore renewable energy market and builds a robust supply chain of local companies. For more than a decade, Oceantic has grown alongside industry, setting the pace for an expanded view of what offshore renewable energy can deliver towards our nation’s energy mix. For more information about Oceantic membership, products and services, visit our websiteor follow us on LinkedIn.
