King Seeks “Level Playing Field” for Renewable Energy Projects to Spur Offshore Wind Development

BRUNSWICK, ME - U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today released a discussion draft bill that aims to expand development of offshore wind by bringing the federal leasing and permitting process into parity with oil and gas. The Renewable Energy on Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (REOCSLA) would codify a renewable energy leasing program on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) similar to the current leasing program for oil and gas - so that renewable offshore projects are not subjected to different standards than fossil fuel programs. The effort comes shortly after the Senate passed the largest ever investment in clean energy development, and would simplify a rapid, seamless expansion of renewable technologies. Long a proponent of offshore energy, King released the draft to receive public feedback from colleagues, industry experts, and other stakeholders.

"Offshore wind presents one of the most promising opportunities to grow America's energy economy and protect our environment. As the Inflation Reduction Act is poised to makes historic investments in renewable energy, it's important federal red tape and ancient regulations don't hinder the expansion of these game-changing technologies," said Senator King. "To make sure we can meet this clean energy moment, I'm proposing a new offshore wind leasing program that creates a level playing field and gives renewables the same standing as oil and gas. REOCSLA is a commonsense step to increase America's offshore energy production, create good-paying jobs, and address the threats posed by climate change. I hope the bill can get broad, bipartisan support, and look forward to receiving feedback on our discussion draft."

The discussion draft of the Renewable Energy on Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (REOCSLA) contains language that parallels that of the current Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), which defines the terms of offshore oil and natural gas development. Senator King hopes to create a parallel statute so the Department of the Interior's offshore renewable energy program mirrors the existing legal framework guiding oil and gas. Although Congress amended OCSLA in 2005 to grant the Department of the Interior (DOI) authority to manage renewable energy projects on federal offshore lands the statute largely retains its original structure. Recent technological advancements, state support for offshore wind procurement, and aggressive federal goals to add 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 highlight the need to create more legal and regulatory certainty.

REOCSLA has not yet been introduced as a bill. Interested parties are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft which Senator King hope to introduce this fall.

As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has advocated for climate solutions that invest in clean energy and support Maine communities. King recently celebrated the Senate's passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which included the largest ever investment in clean energy manufacturing and development. He has also championed the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, which passed through the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and would provide 37.5% of revenues from energy projects in federal waters to the coastal states that invested in wind farms. King has also been a strong supporter of the University of Maine's offshore wind efforts, and recently urged Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to expedite federal consideration of UMaine's program.