Governor Charlie Baker has raised Massachusetts’ offshore wind goals and furthered development of the supply chain (source: Governor’s office)
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has signed into law an ambitious package of investment that, among other things, will further establish the state as a national hub for offshore wind in the US
Signed by the Governor on 11 August 2022, the Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind will help the state meet goals established in a 2021 and a legal requirement to achieve a net zero emissions economy by 2050. In particular, the Act includes industrial policy to help grow the offshore wind industry and related businesses.
The legislation also expands offshore wind procurement in the state to 5.5 GW from 4.0 GW and, importantly, it removes a price cap that required every offshore wind procurement to be less expensive than the previous procurement.
The new Act also places significant emphasis on workforce and economic development and on bids to develop offshore wind that promote the development of the supply chain. It also highlights the use of organized labour agreements for offshore wind projects, the low-income community and diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, and the use of energy storage.
The Act also require developers to submit ‘best management practices’ and plans to minimize and mitigate impacts on marine wildlife, habitats, ecosystems and existing users of the ocean.
Responding to the Governor signing the Act into law, sustainability non-profit Cere said, ““We applaud Governor Baker and the Massachusetts General Court for once again proving that bold and pragmatic climate leadership can be accomplished on a bipartisan basis.”
“This deal required compromise and collaboration between both legislative chambers and the governor’s office,” said Alli Gold Roberts, senior director of state policy. “States have been critical leaders in establishing a US policy environment built to fight the climate crisis and establish a robust clean energy economy that will create jobs, reduce energy costs, and support new innovative industries.
“The measures signed by the governor today will be essential for Massachusetts to achieve this vision and meet the aggressive climate targets the Commonwealth set last year. It will also ensure Massachusetts remains a national powerhouse in the flourishing offshore wind industry that is already generating legions of well-paying jobs and will secure reliable, affordable, clean power for businesses and households state-wide. Massachusetts again stands as an example that smart climate policy is also smart economics.”
