California's state Senate has recently approved a significant piece of legislation, Bill AB 1373, aimed at facilitating large-scale procurements of offshore wind and other clean energy resources. The bill, which received overwhelming support with a 29-10 vote in the Senate, has previously gained approval from the state Assembly. Pending California Governor Gavin Newsom's expected signature, the legislation is poised to become law by October 14.
AB 1373 grants authorization to California's Department of Water Resources to purchase renewable energy resources, effectively offering renewable energy developers a guaranteed buyer in cases where the state's utilities and other entities do not enter into their own agreements.
Adam Stern, the executive director at Offshore Wind California, expressed that the passage of this legislation underscores California's commitment to embracing offshore wind as a pivotal component of its clean energy strategy. Stern stated, “Passage of this legislation shows California is serious about going big on offshore wind and positioning itself as a leader and global hub of this important clean-energy resource.”
Liz Burdock, founder and chief executive of the Business Network for Offshore Wind, emphasized the transformative potential of this move, noting that “California is putting together the pieces necessary to bring a new industry to life.” She further emphasized the importance of floating offshore wind in shaping the future of the offshore wind sector and positioning the West Coast as a key player in this rapidly expanding field.
Burdock added, “This new procurement authority is essential to unlocking the billions in new investments needed for port redevelopments, vessels, supply chain expansions, and manufacturing facilities. Once signed into law, the bill will lead to thousands of new jobs and clean, reliable energy for millions of homes.”
The passage of Bill AB 1373 reflects California's dedication to advancing clean energy initiatives and underscores its ambitions to achieve climate, clean energy, and grid-reliability goals on a grand scale.
