Statement on West Coast Offshore Wind Cancellations

Green Oceans praises the federal actions impacting the Blue Wind offshore proposals and the cancellation of the Golden State Wind project near Morro Bay, announced by the U.S.

Department of the Interior. The organization calls the move a “turning point” with respect to reducing the industrial sprawl that comes with offshore wind installations and applauds federal leadership for stopping further expansion of offshore wind.

Key Points:

● Ocean Protection: Offshore wind development poses risks to marine ecosystems that are not well understood. These expansive projects should not be considered acceptable experiments in the wake of a response to a changing climate.

●. Energy Reliability: Wind variability requires backup generation, raising concerns about grid stability; further increasing demand and costs for traditional energy generation.

● Higher Costs: Offshore wind carries significantly higher system-wide costs—construction, transmission, and backup, in addition to fixed price power purchase agreements, which are passed on to consumers. Decommissioning costs have not been accounted for, leaving open a monumental expense and possible environmental catastrophe should structures be left at sea.

“The material alteration of marine habitats through industrialization should not be mistaken for environmental progress,” said Michael Lombardi, Diving Scientist and Green Oceans Board Member. “Energy solutions must be both environmentally responsible and economically viable—offshore wind, as currently deployed, fails to meet that standard.”

Green Oceans calls on federal leaders to terminate remaining offshore wind leases and ensure long-term protection of U.S. coastal waters.

About Green Oceans

Founded in 2023, Green Oceans is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the ocean and the life it supports. Green Oceans and its coalition, which includes Native American tribes, environmental, energy, national security, and fishing groups, have worked to challenge large-scale offshore wind development based on its documented impacts on marine ecosystems, energy costs, livelihoods, and national security.

Media Contact: media@green-oceans.com

Website: green-oceans.org.