North Tidewater News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 24, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) introduced the American Offshore Wind Opportunity Actto develop America’s maritime and shipbuilding workforce to meet the growing demand of the offshore wind industry. The legislation requires the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study to inform public and private investment in shipbuilding and workforce training to support the Biden Administration’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030. The study would also identify ways that current policies could be strengthened to support American workers.

“Thanks to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the United States is increasing our supply of clean, affordable, and domestic energy,” said Congressman Scott.“I am proud that Hampton Roads is leading the way in the deployment and manufacturing of offshore wind. The Biden Administration has set ambitious goals for offshore wind, which will only be attainable with a well-trained workforce. That is why this legislation, to study ways to maximize the role of American mariners and shipbuilders, is so critical to meeting that goal.”

Last Congress, Scott voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act which included provisions from the Offshore Wind American Manufacturing Act, which he authored with Representatives Bill Pascrell, Donald Norcross, Donald McEachin, and Elaine Luria. For the first time ever, the Inflation Reduction Acttied federal investments in clean energy to strong labor provisions.

Co-sponsors of theAmerican Offshore Wind Opportunity Actinclude: Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), and Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02)

For full bill text of the American Offshore Wind Opportunity Act, please CLICK HERE.

Original source can be found here