The California State Senate has passed a bill allowing large-scale procurement of offshore wind turbines and other clean energy sources. AB 1373 passed the Senate by a vote of 29-10, while the state Assembly, which had previously passed the bill, voted in accordance with the Senate’s amendments. This decision paves the way for the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom implements it into law, scheduled for October 14th.
The bill will provide authorization California Department of Water Resources to purchase renewable energy resources and provides renewable energy developers with a guaranteed buyer in the event that state utilities and other groups fail to sign their own agreements.
“The passage of this legislation shows that California is serious about investing in offshore wind energy and positioning itself as a leading global center for this important clean energy resource,” said the executive director of Offshore Wind California, Adam Stern.
“AB 1373 provides an important tool to help the Golden State invest at scale, build at scale, and acquire at scale the long-term renewable resources it needs to complement its clean energy portfolio and achieve its ambitious climate goals for clean energy and grid reliability,” he added.
Liz Burdock Founder and CEO of Business network for offshore wind He added: “California is putting together the necessary pieces to breathe life into a new industry. “Floating offshore wind is the future of the offshore wind industry and the actions of the California legislature put the West Coast at the center of this exciting and rapidly growing sector.”
“This new contracting authority is vital to unlocking the billions of pounds of new investment needed to redevelop the port, shipping, supply chain expansion and manufacturing facilities. Once enacted, the law will create thousands of new jobs and clean, reliable energy for millions of homes,” Burdock added.
