In the wake of Trump’s executive order barring new offshore wind leases and requiring reviews of existing and permitted wind projects, industry supporters worry about what rules, permits or projects could be affected and the broader implications for manufacturers and the workforce.
Energy
Ports, suppliers in 40 states are invested in offshore wind
A new report from an ocean advocacy group finds that billions of dollars have been invested in U.S. ports in gearing up for or actively serving the offshore wind energy, which has created thousands of jobs, just as the new administration levels its anti-renewables sights at the industry.
Biden makes protections from offshore drilling permanent
President Joe Biden on Monday used his authority under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to withdraw from new oil development the entire East Coast, eastern Gulf of Mexico, West Coast, and remainder of Alaska’s northern Bering Sea.
BOEM begins planning second Atlantic offshore wind lease
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is in the early stages of planning to determine new wind energy areas for the Central Atlantic region.
Chowan community embraces Timbermill Wind at kickoff
The governor, local officials, landowners and folks from around Chowan County turned out at the blade-signing event for the 45-turbine wind energy project that is being credited as a needed economic boost that sustains farming.
Timbermill Wind turbine parts en route to Chowan County
Massive wind turbine components that arrived recently at the state port in Morehead City are on their way to Timbermill Wind’s 6,300-acre, 45-turbine onshore energy facility currently under construction near Edenton.
Amid losses, wood pellet company Enviva at risk of default
The company with a significant economic and environmental footprint in North Carolina is facing “substantial doubt” about its ability to stay in business.
Navy lab funds Durham firm’s airborne power generator
Windlift has a five-year, $30 million contract with the Naval Research Laboratory to develop its autonomous tethered Navy and Marine Corps operations.
NC joins pact to cover offshore wind-related fisheries losses
The East Coast Fisheries Mitigation Project seeks to improve upon what had been a project-by-project, state-by-state approach to address fishing industries’ concerns over offshore wind development.
Officials, advocates answer questions on solar, wind power
A recent symposium at Carteret Community College explored the challenges and opportunities associated with the expansion of the renewable energy industry along the North Carolina coast.
Offshore wind advocates weigh opportunities, uncertainties
Government officials, researchers and utility insiders shared their observations and concerns about the burgeoning industry during a recent symposium.
Scientists dispute claims behind call for wind moratorium
Researchers say there’s no evidence that offshore wind development surveys contributed to the recent deaths of whales along the Mid-Atlantic coast, where officials have called for a moratorium.
Pender revises zoning ‘to properly regulate’ solar farms
Commissioners amended zoning text Dec. 5, less than a week after a California-based solar company filed a lawsuit against the county for turning down its request for a permit.
Draft wind energy areas off NC coast may be downsized
The recently announced draft offshore wind energy areas, including two off the northern North Carolina coast, may be scaled back before being finalized early next year.
New law repeals offshore wind energy lease moratorium
President Biden signed the bill Tuesday, promising millions of new good-paying, clean energy jobs and repealing the previous administration’s 10-year pause on wind energy leasing off the East Coast.
Offshore wind turbine impacts a trade-off, panelists say
Construction of wind turbines off the North Carolina coast could affect birds and marine life, and while scientists and others seek more information on the extent of those effects, those who spoke during a forum last week in Wilmington said climate change is likely a greater threat.
