A senior House Energy and Commerce Democrat released a broad offshore wind permitting and funding bill Wednesday, the latest in a string of proposals.
The legislation comes as Republicans skeptical of offshore wind projects — including President-elect Donald Trump — prepare to take power, and after a bipartisan revenue-sharing plan stalled.
Still, Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) — ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing and Critical Materials — released the “Offshore Energy Modernization Act” on Wednesday. He called it a blueprint for the economic success of U.S. offshore wind development.
The legislation focuses on streamlining permitting and promoting the use of U.S. workers and supply chains. The bill would fund marine and coastal protection efforts, and create funding programs for shipbuilding associated with offshore wind.
