NOIA: Carolina Long Bay lease sale should strengthen offshore wind investment, jobs

A recent Wood Mackenzie study commissioned by National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) and other groups found that a Carolinas Lease Sale could support 37,200 jobs, $3 billion in annual wages, $233 million in state tax creation and $44.9 billion in capital investment during the development and construction phase of the projects.

NOIA President Erik Milito issued the following statement after Interior announced it has completed its environmental review and will hold a wind energy auction for two lease areas offshore North Carolina and South Carolina on May 11: 
"The Carolina Long Bay announcement is fantastic news for the Carolinas and for the nation. We are going to go from one project in the area to three, which will strengthen the supply chain and attract additional investment and jobs,” Milito said. “The Carolina Long Bay lease sale will keep up American offshore wind momentum beyond the U.S. Northeast.”
However, Milito said there is a narrow window in holding the lease sale and a prohibition will prevent additional lease sales beyond this one. Starting July 1, there will be a 10-year moratorium on offshore wind leasing in the area stretching from North Carolina down through the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. NOIA is strongly advocating for legislation revoking the ban.

“Overturning the moratorium has been non-controversial. Language is already included in the America Competes Act and was previously included in the Build Back Better Act,” Milito said. “Congressional leaders should continue their bipartisan work in passing legislation that overturns the moratorium and allows for additional future lease sales."