AOWA’s Statement on Executive Order Pausing Offshore Wind Leasing and Permitting
January 22, 2025
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The recent executive order pausing offshore wind leasing and permitting is a serious setback to America’s growing offshore wind industry. This action halts progress in project development, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and port operations, jeopardizing billions of dollars in investment and thousands of jobs. At a time when national energy demands are rising, offshore wind power offers a reliable, American-made solution that supports a sustainable energy future.
Despite this pause, wind energy remains vital to our country’s energy mix, with substantial strides already made in domestic supply chains and commercial-scale developments. A $25 billion wave of investment has spurred growth in shipbuilding and steel production, laying a solid foundation for the industry’s continued expansion. During this uncertain period, training, advocacy, and outreach are more crucial than ever.
American Offshore Wind Academy will keep driving the industry forward by offering professional training, cultivating a robust workforce pipeline, and collaborating with stakeholders. Our mission stays firm: to guide the offshore wind community through shifting policy landscapes and ensure a strong, sustainable future for renewable energy in America.
-- American Offshore Wind Academy