The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently collaborated with the aim of advancing the offshore wind energy industry.
"This agreement is powerful and timely as we face climate change head on," NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said. "It will help ensure coordination, collaboration and alignment by NOAA and BOEM at key decision points in support of the Administration's offshore wind energy goal."
NOAA and the BOEM signed a memorandum on Jan. 12 in support of the Biden-Harris Administration's ambitious offshore wind energy goals to advance wind energy responsibly while protecting biodiversity and promoting cooperative ocean use. "It will also provide specific pathways for NOAA data and services while protecting our ecosystems and marine resources," Spinrad said.
Offshore wind energy development plays an important role in how the U.S. is leading the charge to combat the climate crisis, and build a clean energy economy and climate-ready nation.
"We are already seeing the impacts of climate change on communities across the country and the ocean resources that we manage," BOEM Director Amanda Lefton said. "Now is the time to act. Working together, we will further advance offshore wind, which can play a critical role in meeting our country's energy needs while combating climate change and creating new family supporting jobs."
The offshore wind and clean energy industry has the ability to create new, high-paying jobs and, at the same time, advance the scientific understanding of the potential impacts of offshore wind development.
