Press Releases

Santa Barbara, CA — Congressman Salud Carbajal will serve as a co-chair of the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers focused on improving offshore wind technology, investing in the offshore wind workforce, and making the United States a clean energy leader.

The caucus was formally created for the 117th Congress by Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-VA-2). Joining Reps. Carbajal and Luria in the caucus’ leadership are Co-Chairs Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20). The mission of the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus is to find bipartisan solutions to address the offshore wind industry’s challenges, promote workforce development, and advocate for policies that will strengthen our economy and improve the environment.

"My district on the Central Coast is no stranger to the devastating impacts of climate change. Inaction is already costing us lives, homes, and money and it will only get worse with each passing day. Through pragmatic policies and strategic investment, we can harness the power of offshore wind to combat climate change and grow our economy at the same time,” said Congressman Salud Carbajal. “I’ve fought to advance offshore wind development on the Central Coast and look forward to working with my colleagues to advocate for offshore wind in Congress. I am honored to co-chair the Offshore Wind Caucus and eager to begin our work to establish America as a global leader in the burgeoning clean energy sector.”

“Now, more than ever, it is vital to make robust investments in clean and renewable sources of energy,” said Congresswoman Elaine Luria. “In addition to helping us avoid some of the most severe impacts of climate change, expanding offshore wind energy would create long-term job opportunities for countless Americans. I am proud to lead the Congressional Offshore Wind Caucus to explore common-ground policies that will make our nation a global offshore wind leader.”

“The Offshore Wind Caucus will bring a bipartisan focus to clean, offshore energy production and ensure the energy and environmental needs of communities are carefully considered in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Congressman Jeff Van Drew. “New Jersey’s fishing and tourism industries are critically important to the health of our state, accounting for over $27 billion in annual revenue. This caucus will provide a powerful voice to constituents and stakeholders who live and work in coastal regions across America. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who share my passion for bringing a sensible approach to offshore wind issues in the 117th Congress.”

“Right now, California has an opportunity to work with President Biden towards the ambitious, but achievable, shared goal to secure 100% of our state’s energy from carbon-free sources by 2045,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta. “Reaching this goal hinges on increasing offshore wind generation. Developing proposals for offshore wind projects off our coasts will require working closely with impacted communities, and my goal as co-chair of this caucus is to ensure that all impacted stakeholders, including coastal residents, fishing communities, and marine conservation interests, are consulted as we all work together to drive down emissions and work towards a clean energy economy.”

Carbajal has been an advocate for renewable energy investment and development throughout his time in Congress. In August 2019, Carbajal created the Offshore Wind Working Group, a task force composed of staff members from Carbajal and Panetta’s offices and representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Department of Defense (DOD), Navy, and California Energy Commission (CEC), in order to advance offshore wind opportunities on the Central Coast.

Carbajal has also introduced legislation to promote investment in renewable energy, including offshore wind, in order to offset job and energy losses that will stem from the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant’s impending closure. The Energy Opportunity Zones Act creates and expands tax credits to encourage investment in renewable energy in regions, like the Central Coast, where a nuclear power plant is slated to close in the near future or where a coal power plant has ceased operations.

Rep. Salud Carbajal represents California’s 24th congressional district, encompassing Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and part of Ventura County. He sits on the House Armed Services Committee, Agriculture Committee, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

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