Governor Newsom: “I am pushing state agencies to adopt more aggressive action and never build another fossil fuel power plant” (source: Governor’s Office)
Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing for California to move faster to reach its climate goals, setting ambitious new targets for renewable energy, including offshore wind
In a 22 July 2022 letter to the Chair of the California Air Resources Board, Governor Newsom called for the state to ensure the 2022 Climate Change Scoping Plan provides a path to achieve both its 2030 climate goal and state carbon neutrality no later than 2045, requesting that, among other initiatives, the final plan incorporates new efforts to advance offshore wind.
“California communities experience the devastating impacts of climate change every day. We need to supercharge our efforts to significantly reduce harmful carbon pollution,” said Governor Newsom. “The state’s draft carbon neutrality road map doesn’t go far enough or fast enough.
“That’s why I’m pushing state agencies to adopt more aggressive actions, from offshore wind to climate-friendly homes, and to make sure we never build another fossil fuel power plant in California again.”
The new targets and requested actions outlined in the letter include establishing a California Energy Commission (CEC) planning goal of at least 20 GW of offshore wind in 2045. In May 2022, the CEC released a draft Assembly Bill (AB) 525 report that proposed planning goals for offshore wind of 3 GW by 2030, 10-15 GW by 2045 and up to 20 GW by 2050.
Responding to the governor’s statement, Offshore Wind California executive director Adam Stern said, “This is great news for California’s offshore wind industry and workers. We applaud Governor Newsom for calling on the CEC to establish an offshore wind planning goal of at least 20 GW by 2045.
“This is another sign California is serious about ‘going big’ on floating offshore wind, to drive economies of scale and realise the very substantial clean power, climate, and jobs benefits offshore wind can deliver for our state. It’s also a welcome preview of what the CEC is expected to set in the final AB 525 report on offshore wind planning goals for 2030 and 2045, to help California achieve its ambitious climate and clean energy targets.
“Offshore Wind California and others in the industry are encouraging the CEC to approve planning goals of 5 GW by 2030 and at least 20 GW by 2045, which are well-supported by the latest industry and academic research.
“The CEC’s final goals will send an important signal to the industry and other state and federal agencies that California is committed to moving forward expeditiously to make responsible development of offshore wind power a reality. The next key steps include the federal lease auction this fall and planning for transmission, port infrastructure, procurement, additional call areas, workforce development and a sustainable supply chain.”
