Offshore Wind California (OWC) has welcomed the state legislature’s approval of $228 million in funding to support port infrastructure upgrades critical to the deployment of floating offshore wind projects.
The allocation marks the initial portion of the $475 million designated for offshore wind development under Proposition 4, a $10 billion climate bond approved by California voters in 2024. The funding is intended to accelerate investment in port facilities such as those in Long Beach and Humboldt, which are expected to play key roles in supporting offshore wind logistics and assembly.
“This is excellent news for California workers and residents,” OWC said in a statement, highlighting the potential to generate gigawatts of clean energy and create long-term employment opportunities across the state.
Adam Stern, executive director of OWC, said the funding underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to offshore wind despite broader market challenges. “Despite the unfortunate federal headwinds this year, California is staying the course on its commitment to offshore wind – to strengthen its energy security and independence, spur a hub for floating technology and jobs, and help secure the state’s path to 100% clean electricity by 2045,” Stern said.
He called on Governor Gavin Newsom to sign the legislation, adding that the funding would help catalyse further public and private investment in port readiness.
OWC also cited survey data indicating 75% bipartisan support among Californians for offshore wind, noting that the sector could eventually provide electricity to up to 25 million homes if the state meets its 2045 goal of deploying 25 gigawatts of capacity.
