Washington, D.C. —Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after Senate passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes Congresswoman Ross’ provision to repeal the 10-year offshore wind leasing moratorium off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida:

“The Inflation Reduction Act is a transformational package that will mark the single greatest investment we’ve made to combat the climate crisis in our history. To reach our ambitious climate goals, we must unleash the full power of American clean energy – and that includes offshore wind energy development.

“The former administration’s arbitrary offshore wind leasing moratorium would stifle the growth of our clean energy economy in North Carolina and throughout the region. Our state is perfectly positioned to lead this multi-billion dollar industry, with our offshore wind energy generation potential and a capable manufacturing workforce ready to embrace this opportunity. Since coming to Congress, I have fought to overturn the moratorium, and I am excited that we are finally getting it done.

“Across the country, Americans are experiencing record heat waves, devastating wildfires, and droughts—and in states like North Carolina, destructive storms. People are counting on us to deliver real solutions to combat climate change. Offshore wind energy represents one of the best options in our toolbox to reach our clean energy goals, power millions of homes, lower prices for American consumers, and create thousands of high-quality jobs.”

Since coming to Congress, Congresswoman Ross has led her colleagues in calling for the repeal of the 10-year offshore wind leasing moratorium. In April 2021, she introduced the Restoring Offshore Wind Opportunities Act with Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), which would overturn the moratorium. Most recently, her bipartisan amendment to repeal the moratorium passed the House of Representatives as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. She also led her North Carolina colleagues in calling on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to advance lease sales of existing wind energy areas off the coast of North Carolina.

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