State leadership is going to be pivotal to the future of US offshore wind.
Posted by Toussaint Williams – Plugged Into US Offshore Wind
The U.S. offshore wind industry stands at a pivotal moment, with over 4,000 MW of capacity under construction (U.S. Offshore Wind Quarterly Market Report 2024 Q3, Oceantic Network) and ambitious growth targets. However, its future may hinge on state leadership. As we inch towards a second Trump Administration, governors’ positions will be critical in determining whether offshore wind progresses or stalls. They have the power to shape industry direction, public opinion, and drive investment decisions.
This analysis categorizes these leaders into three groups — Supporters, Pragmatists, and Skeptics — based on their policy actions and rhetoric. Understanding where governors stand is not just a snapshot of current leadership; it provides valuable insights into the likely trajectory of the industry in their respective states and nationally. By categorizing governors in this way, we can predict how states will respond to federal policy shifts and the evolving dynamics of the offshore wind market.
Northeast — The Region Leading the Charge
The Northeast is at the forefront of the U.S. offshore wind industry, with several governors positioning their states as leaders in the transition to renewable energy. Their roles and policies range from passionate supporters to pragmatic figures navigating complex economic and environmental considerations. Below is an exploration of key figures from this region.
Governor Kathy Hochul (NY)
Key Actions:
- Offshore Wind Supply Chain Investment (2023): Announced a $300 million investment to develop two supply chain facilities including nacelle manufacturing and assembly by GE Vernova, along with blade manufacturing developed by LM Wind Power Blades (ND), Inc., both planned for New York’s Capital Region. leveraging $968 million in public and private funds.
- Investments in Workforce Development (2023): Announced $2.3 million in awards from the state’s Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI), a significant step to ensure a skilled workforce for offshore wind projects.
- Nation-Leading Offshore Wind Projects (2024): Awarded two major offshore wind projects — Empire Wind 1 (810 MW) by Equinor and Sunrise Wind (924 MW) by Ørsted and Eversource — totaling over 1,700 MW of clean energy. These projects, set to become New York’s largest power generation efforts in 35 years, will create 800 construction jobs, invest $2 billion in statewide economic development, and support disadvantaged communities. They advance New York’s goal of 9,000 MW of offshore wind energy by 2035 under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Rhetoric:
Hochul frames offshore wind as “foundational to our fight against climate change,” reflecting her commitment to positioning New York as a national leader in renewable energy. This is evidenced by transformative actions such as awarding the state’s largest power generation projects in over three decades and driving significant investments in supply chain infrastructure, workforce development, and economic growth. Her emphasis on collaboration — “I’m proud to be collaborating with states, industry leaders, labor unions, higher education, and community organizations” —highlights her vision for building a broad coalition to advance offshore wind and achieve New York’s ambitious clean energy targets.
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