Governor Cooper Makes Bold Offshore Wind Commitment

(Raleigh – June 9, 2021) Today Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order that will rapidly expand North Carolina’s offshore wind industry, setting bold targets for 2030 and 2040. This commitment can help North Carolina reach its Clean Energy Plan goal of a 70% reduction in power sector emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

“The Governor’s announcement of Executive Order 218 today signals that North Carolina isn’t watching from the sidelines when it comes to offshore wind - our state is ready to seize the moment and claim billions of dollars for the state’s economy while reaping the priceless benefits of a cleaner, healthier, more resilient energy system. The joint effort, spanning the Department of Commerce, Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, demonstrates the broad consensus around benefits that offshore wind, and its manufacturing base, will bring to North Carolina workers and communities.

The bold targets set by this order, and the creation of the Offshore Wind Interagency Workgroup underscores the state’s commitment to leading on offshore wind, and puts the state in a strong position to compete for as much of the burgeoning $140 billion industry as possible.

Meeting North Carolina’s climate and clean energy goals will require a combination of smart policies to reduce carbon pollution and accelerate clean energy. Offshore wind will play a key role in reducing power sector carbon pollution with proven, reliable, pollution-free energy.”

• Michelle Allen, Project Manager for Environmental Defense Fund’s North Carolina Political Affairs team at EDF