New Memorandum of Understanding creates collaborative framework to meet Maryland’s offshore wind goal and aims to address future leasing and siting challenges
For Immediate Release: June 4, 2024
Media Contact: Luke Jeanfreau | [email protected] | 504-302-8079
BALTIMORE — The Oceantic Network, the leading organization working to advance offshore wind and other ocean renewable industries and their supply chains, applauds today’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the State of Maryland to engage stakeholders in identifying acreage for additional offshore wind lease auctions in the Atlantic. Additional acreage is critical to meeting Maryland’s and other Mid-Atlantic states’ offshore wind power generation goals. The Biden-Harris administration had previously committed to holding these auctions after publishing a Proposed Sale Notice in December for sites in the Central Atlantic.
Today’s action follows a Tuesday Executive Order (EO) from Maryland Governor Wes Moore entitled “Leadership by State Government: Implementing Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan.” That EO directed every State agency to develop a plan for a just energy transition and requires the Maryland Energy Administration to develop a plan to power the state with 100% clean electricity by 2035. In addition, yesterday, BOEM released its final Environmental Assessment for the Central Atlantic lease areas, moving the organization one step closer to an auction later this summer.
The following statement can be attributed to Jen Brock, chief of staff at Oceantic Network:
“Maryland is looking to offshore wind as a cornerstone of its clean energy future and as a major economic driver and this agreement offers greater assurance that the state will reach its energy targets. By recommitting to ensuring Maryland’s future, the federal government also builds confidence in the state’s budding supply chain, already poised to be a national hub for offshore wind manufacturing and steel fabrication. The state’s leadership role in the industry will be on full display this summer with the next lease auction occurring in the Central Atlantic. Continued collaboration at this level is critical to ensuring more areas are opened and Maryland can achieve its targets.
Additional Information:
- Governor Moore Signs Executive Order to Advance Maryland’s Pollution Reduction Plan
- BOEM Finalizes Environmental Review of Potential Offshore Wind Lease Activities in the Central Atlantic
For more information or to arrange an interview with the Network, contact Luke Jeanfreau at [email protected] or 504-302-8079.
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As a non-profit organization, the Oceantic Network’s driving purpose is to inform, coordinate, and mobilize human ingenuity, enterprise, and labor to take advantage of the urgent need to tap the vast offshore wind and renewable energy resources that lie in the world’s oceans. The collective, coordinated efforts of our 600+ members equip communities and nations to accelerate the transition to clean energy and create economic opportunities.
