Major clean energy bill features offshore wind energy provisions, now heading to Governor’s desk
For Immediate Release: November 15, 2024
Media Contact: Luke Jeanfreau | [email protected] | 504-302-8079
BALTIMORE — Yesterday, the Massachusetts legislature successfully passed a landmark clean energy bill that would strengthen future offshore wind energy contracts. Among other provisions, the bill would improve the current regulatory process for procuring offshore wind energy and allow the state to negotiate power contracts lasting 30 years, rather than the current 20 year-timeline for offshore wind and battery storage projects.
Last June, Massachusetts led a multi-state effort to request federal support for interregional offshore wind planning, joined by other New England states as well as New York and New Jersey. In September 2024, the state joined with Rhode Island for the first multi-state procurement and the largest ever in New England, awarding contracts to three projects. And this month, one of those projects, SouthCoast Wind, completed its environmental review with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
“Massachusetts continues to demonstrate its leadership in the U.S. offshore wind industry,” said Stephanie Francoeur, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Oceantic Network. “As the industry continues to create thousands of jobs and drive billions in investment across the nation, this action by the Massachusetts legislature strengthens the industry and applies lessons learned from years of offshore wind energy procurement and project development. Massachusetts has worked with other states on regional transmission and procurement projects, most recently securing 2,678 MW of offshore wind energy and increasing access to local economic and supply chain development. We look forward to Governor Healey’s signing of this bill and working with the state to continue delivering the measurable economic benefits of this American industry.”
For more information or to arrange an interview with an Oceantic spokesperson, contact Luke Jeanfreau at [email protected] or 504-302-8079.
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As a non-profit organization, Oceantic Network strives to help businesses find success in offshore wind and other ocean renewable industries. We’re mobilizing governments, corporations, and organized labor to take advantage of the vast offshore wind and renewable energy resources that lie in the world’s oceans. The collective, coordinated efforts of our 400+ members are equipping American communities with the tools they need to accelerate the transition to clean energy and create economic opportunities. For more information about Oceantic membership, products and services, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.
