As more and more states take substantial steps towards adopting clean energy policies for a sustainable future, developing offshore wind farms increasingly becomes favorable as an investment towards the environment, the economy, and our communities.

The U.S. has a vast offshore wind energy resource with a “technical potential of more than 2,000 gigawatts, or nearly double the nation’s current electricity use,” according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). In this past quarter alone, there are more than 200 offshore wind projects in various stages of development, which will produce 41,801 megawatts of new capacity. As we continue to harness our own resources, it will create opportunities to bring more projects with bigger offshore wind capacity, further cost reduction, consumer access with be greater and better, and it will create highly-skilled jobs.

One community that can be significantly benefited by the offshore wind industry growth is the maritime industry, according to Joan Bondareff—a legal counsel who focuses on marine transportation and renewable energy, among other environmental issues—with essential help from the federal government via the interior secretary who have the power and authority to lease areas of the outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to developers; while state governments sign off on projects that develop structures and systems on how to harness the wind itself. In addition, they can also provide incentives through Ocean Renewable Energy Certificates (ORECs) and other subsidies.

Many states in the Eastern Seaboard like New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maryland, and Massachusetts have mobilized offshore wind projects and investments, including the U.S. Wind MET tower installation off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland. Also in Maryland and in Massachusetts, state legislatures will be providing funds that will train and develop the growing wind energy workforce and supply chain.

In New York and Virginia, cultivating local businesses through partnerships with wind farm developers is being developed through creating directories that will promote economic opportunities for the community.