โThis latest attack on offshore wind will have a chilling effect on investment in the US as whole, as it undermines certainty in the legal and regulatory framework for investors. It seems to be driven by extreme partisan ideology rather than by economics or any reasonable concern over the impact of the project, which was fully approved by the competent authorities.โ
โThese kind of arbitrary actions threaten jobs for American workers and make it more difficult for the US to have its own supply chain, and will contribute to driving up energy costs for American businesses and consumers at a time when analysts are warning of the USโs ability to meet rising demand.โ
โCrushing the hitherto fast-growing offshore wind sector through politically driven government action also means that the US will largely miss out on this exciting and internationally competitive industry, while other countries power on and reap the benefits.
โItโs vitally important that governments maintain legal and regulatory security so that the private sector can invest in energy, and GWEC hopes and expect that this is a key piece in discussions between governments in the weeks and months to come.โ
โAttacking wind and renewables, and spreading misleading and false information about clean energy sources has very real consequences for people, jobs and the planet. Itโs about time sensible policy makers stood up to defend the importance of these vital technologies.โBen Backwell, CEO, GWEC
Notes:
According to GWEC Market Intelligence, there are currently 5GW of consented offshore wind projects in the US, across five projects. Those projects are: