The future of offshore wind on the west coast is brighter, or windier, than ever. President Biden’s announcements today, along with the publication of the Oregon Department of Energy’s assessment of offshore wind for Oregon, reinforce the importance and imminence of this clean energy source. Oregon’s world class wind resource holds enormous potential to produce large amounts of clean energy from strong ocean winds, along with billions of dollars of investment in our state over the next several decades, and thousands of new family wage jobs for Oregonians. The Biden Administration has provided a huge boost by setting a national floating offshore wind goal of 15 GW and launching a Floating Offshore Wind Energy Earthshot to quickly advance this sector.   

The winds between northern California and southern Oregon are world class. Along with ever larger and more efficient wind turbines, we are poised to add gigawatts of new, high-quality, zero carbon energy to meet our demands. The Pacific Ocean Energy Trust has provided regional leadership for many years to advance this opportunity, and we are pleased to see President Biden and Governor Brown embrace this opportunity. Their leadership is essential, and we welcome Governor Brown’s support, which will be necessary to promote the responsible development of floating offshore wind, to maximize the benefits of this sector for Oregonians, and minimize the impacts on the ocean and its users.

Jason Busch

Executive Director, Pacific Ocean Energy Trust, a 501(c)3 with a mission to promote ocean-based climate solutions