Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) on Thursday announced the introduction of a bill to jumpstart offshore wind projects on the Central Coast.
AB 525 would establish the state's commitment to using offshore wind power to meet clean energy goals. State agencies and commissions must develop plans to build 10 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2040.
“The Central Coast is uniquely situated to become the west coast hub for this new and burgeoning industry. With transmission lines going into Morro Bay and Diablo Canyon, and local call areas already being studied by the Department of the Interior and the Navy, San Luis Obispo County should see major economic expansion as a result of the growing offshore wind industry,” said Cunningham. “Clean power, high-paying trades jobs and local economic expansion: offshore wind is a winner for the Central Coast.”
Under current law, the state must procure 60% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 with a goal of procuring 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2045.
According to Cunningham, the state has no viable plan to reach its 60% mandate after Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant goes offline in 2025. The development of offshore wind power may help the state meet its renewable energy goals.
