Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 21, The California Legislature has approved USD 225.7 million in the latest budget bill to upgrade port infrastructure supporting offshore wind development along the state’s coast. The funding, allocated through Proposition 4 under the SB 105 budget bill, aims to accelerate the establishment of facilities necessary for floating offshore wind projects.

Nancy Kirshner-Rodriguez, senior director of policy and outreach at Oceantic Network, stated: “Oceantic commends Governor Newsom, the California Legislature, and state leaders for moving forward foundational infrastructure for the U.S. offshore wind industry that will deliver jobs and economic activity for decades.” She also noted the importance of California’s commitment to advancing energy infrastructure and creating new employment opportunities through local port investment.

The move builds on progress that began in December 2022, when the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) held an auction granting rights to five lease areas offshore California. The auction generated more than USD 757 million and marked the first U.S. lease areas intended for future floating offshore wind development.

That same year, the California Energy Commission (CEC) adopted updated offshore wind targets, setting a long-term goal of reaching 25 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2045. In 2024, California voters approved a climate bond that included USD 475 million specifically for offshore wind-related port development, further supporting the state’s clean energy strategy.

Earlier this year, Assembly Bill 472 was introduced, proposing the addition of funding assessments for offshore wind port infrastructure into the Governor’s Five-Year Infrastructure Plan. This legislation highlights the state’s continued effort to integrate offshore wind as a core part of its renewable energy mix.

Offshore Wind California commented: “We thank legislative leaders in the Assembly and Senate for their steadfast support of offshore wind and ports, and we urge the Governor to sign the measure. Today’s action is another important proof point of California’s progress and continued support for offshore wind, which has the bipartisan backing of 75% of all California adults according to the latest statewide survey by the Public Policy Institute of California.”

The organization also emphasized the importance of offshore wind in supporting California’s climate and energy goals: “Over the next three and a half years, California has much of what it needs to continue moving forward on offshore wind – on ports, transmission, and more. Offshore wind will play a vital role in helping the state achieve its climate, clean-energy, and grid-reliability goals, and complement existing solar, storage, and onshore wind resources as an essential part of California’s diverse clean-power portfolio.”

The new funding demonstrates California’s commitment to long-term clean energy development and highlights the role of port infrastructure in enabling offshore wind projects. By combining federal lease auctions, state-level targets, and voter-backed bonds, California continues to position itself as a leader in renewable energy and offshore wind innovation.