This year, the U.S. government has announced its plans to advance areas northwest of Morro Bay and Humboldt County, California for the first large commercial-scale offshore wind projects on the west coast. Due to water depths, these projects will use floating platforms to support among the largest wind turbine generators. In addition, California’s Governor has recently announced the allocation of $20 million in the 2021-2022 budget for offshore wind development.
Herrera is excited to have supported efforts for this important renewable energy source. Since 2015, our team has been helping clients engage with the multiple ocean users in areas suitable for wind energy while navigating the complex regulatory processes for offshore leasing, environmental impact assessment, and federal, state and local permitting. We will continue to support the efforts of our clients to minimize environmental and community impacts as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) decides on its final lease offerings and advances these sites into development.
More information on this project and California’s offshore wind development plans can be found here.