Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), Ranking Member of the House Environment Subcommittee of the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, led 20 colleagues in urging the Biden administration to facilitate a robust offshore wind lease sale in the Central Atlantic in 2024.

“The Central Atlantic region is already attracting billions of dollars in investments towards the offshore wind industry supply chain, which is still in its nascent stage,” the lawmakers wrote. “To meet our offshore wind commitments and domestic content goals, however, we’ll need a strong project pipeline in place, including for workforce training, manufacturing, and construction.”

The lawmakers continued, “[State goals for offshore wind energy development] will be out of reach without a concerted effort to ensure key federal agencies are aligned on the need for sufficient offshore wind lease acreage in the Central Atlantic.”

“Members of Congress have spoken loud and clear about the need for BOEM to hold a robust Central Atlantic offshore wind lease sale next year to ensure a strong regional supply chain and thousands of good-paying jobs and satisfy both state and national energy goals,” said Josh Kaplowitz Vice President of Offshore Wind for American Clean Power.  “We urge the White House to work closely with BOEM and the federal family to figure out the best areas to lease that also maintain navigational safety and protect our vital national security interests.” 

Since coming to Congress, Congresswoman Ross has championed America’s rapidly growing offshore wind energy industry. Her provision to overturn the previous administration’s 10-year moratorium on offshore wind leasing was signed into law as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Full text of the letter is available here.

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