The bill would set national offshore wind permitting goals of at least 30 gigawatts by 2030 and 50 gigawatts by 2035. It would create an Offshore Power Administration to plan and support shared power transmission, and fund studies, environmental reviews, and shipyard grants. It would also require project labor agreements for construction under leases starting in 2027 and set domestic content rules for projects whose construction begins after January 1, 2033, with possible waivers. The bill would direct some offshore lease revenue to conservation grants and a fund for verified losses, such as damaged fishing gear or lost income. It was introduced and referred to House committees; the provided status says it is in progress.
States, Tribes, local governments, ocean users, and community groups could take part in planning and consultation. Eligible groups and people directly harmed by an offshore renewable energy project could seek compensation for verified gear damage or lost income. The bill states that fishing and boating access, and Tribal cultural activities and lifeways, should be maintained, with narrow exceptions for construction and maintenance.
The bill would provide $50 million for Interior and $45 million for Commerce in fiscal year 2026 for review and permitting work. It authorizes $25 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for capacity-building and engagement grants, plus $10 million for transmission studies, $5 million for transmission standards, and $100 million for shipyard grants. It also allows Treasury loans to the Offshore Power Administration, with no more than $10 billion in outstanding balances at one time. The bill would direct 10 percent of certain offshore lease revenues to conservation grants and another 10 percent to the compensation fund.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.