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Washington, D.C. —Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan amendment led by Representatives Paul Tonko (NY-20), Deborah Ross (NC-02), and David Rouzer (NC-07) that would overturn the previous administration’s 10-year moratorium on offshore wind leasing. In effect as of July 1, 2022, the moratorium prevents offshore wind leasing off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida and was passed under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“The expansion of offshore wind is already creating profound opportunities for New York’s Capital Region and for our entire nation,” said Congressman Tonko. “However, Trump’s arbitrary ban on new offshore wind leases in the Southeastern Atlantic is a significant roadblock to progress, and I am proud to fight alongside my colleagues to overturn this ban and propel opportunities for wind energy development forward. I’m thrilled by the passage of this amendment as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, which puts us one step closer to continuing the vital work to generate affordable and clean electricity that supports economic growth, creates high-quality jobs, and protects our environment.”

“North Carolina is perfectly positioned to lead the nation’s offshore wind energy industry,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. “This moratorium imperils a critical new wave of offshore wind energy development and threatens tens of thousands of high-quality jobs in North Carolina and throughout the region. That’s why I’m excited that we are one step closer to jumpstarting American clean energy independence. I’ll continue fighting for our state to be part of this multi-billion dollar industry, and I thank Representatives Tonko and Rouzer for working with me to pass this bipartisan amendment.”

“I’m proud this year’s NDAA includes our amendment to expand offshore wind energy in North Carolina out of sight from shore,” said Congressman Rouzer. “As the Russian war on Ukraine and freedom underscores, it is critical for America to be energy dominant in oil and natural gas as well as renewables.  This amendment will help unleash the full potential of American energy production and improve our nation's energy security while creating good jobs and bringing new investment to Southeastern North Carolina.”

Last year, Representatives Tonko and Ross introduced the Restoring Offshore Wind Opportunities Act to overturn the offshore wind moratorium. Representatives Ross and Rouzer previously led their North Carolina delegation colleagues in calling on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to advance lease sales of existing wind energy areas (WEAs) and identify new WEAs off the coast of North Carolina. 

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