TL/DR –

The Biden-Harris administration is turning up the heat in the climate crisis battle – and it’s not all hot air. A new Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and Maryland will push forward development of offshore wind energy like a wavy Beyoncé wind machine. If all goes to plan, we’ll be seeing 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030 – that’s a whole lot of power blowing in the wind, ladies.

Historic Clean Energy Goals: Memorandum of Understanding between BOEM and Maryland

Championing the fight against climate change and job creation, the Department of the Interior has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Maryland. The MOU supports the coordinated development of offshore wind energy in Maryland. The announcement was made in Annapolis by Secretary Deb Haaland, BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein, National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, and Governor Wes Moore.

“Maryland will play an important role in achieving the Biden-Harris administration’s renewable energy goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030,” stated Secretary Deb Haaland. The partnership represents a vital step towards a reliable energy future with prominent economic opportunities.

The MOU will aid BOEM and Maryland in ongoing efforts to discover potential areas for offshore wind leasing. BOEM will also continue the Central Atlantic Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force with the state to enhance collaboration and tackle challenges of offshore wind leasing areas. The joint efforts aim for a healthy supply chain, greater economic return, and job creation.

“BOEM is proud of our commitment to build a strong offshore wind industry that benefits communities and co-exists with other ocean uses,” revealed BOEM Director Klein.

In December 2023, the Biden-Harris administration pledged the joint evaluation of additional areas off Maryland’s shores for wind energy areas and support for offshore wind projects.

President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is fostering economic growth through infrastructure development, encouraging private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments, and creating jobs. This agenda also addresses the climate crisis and enhances community resilience.

Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, the Department has approved the nation’s first eight commercial scale offshore wind projects, held four offshore wind lease auctions, and advanced the process to establish additional Wind Energy Areas.

Courtesy of U.S. Department of Interior.

For more information about offshore wind activities in the Central Atlantic, please visit BOEM’s website.

Original Story at cleantechnica.com