Page 11: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Nov/Dec 2020)

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OP/ED NOIA be needed for the foreseeable future. The ?rm Energy & Ad- more than $166 billion in new investment by 2035. This is visory Partners (EIAP) released a study ?nding that by 2040 just the tip of what offshore wind can deliver the U.S.

Gulf of Mexico oil and gas production could support more Offshore wind jobs and investment will have a signi?cant than 367,000 jobs, provide $31.1 billion in GDP and $6.7 economic impact throughout the nation. Whether it is turbine billion in government revenues. safety equipment providers in Georgia, steel fabricators and

But economic and energy devastation would be unleashed heavy lift vessel operators in Louisiana or blade manufactur- if the offshore drilling or leasing bans ?oated by some political ers in Colorado, the widespread impacts of offshore wind will circles are enacted. EIAP predicts that an offshore leasing ban drive jobs and economic opportunities throughout the U.S.

would reduce the economic and employment outlook by 50 The U.S. is undergoing an energy transition, but one that percent to 60 percent, while a drilling ban would cut them by is going to need all forms of offshore energy – oil, natural gas, 75 percent to 85 percent. and wind. The offshore energy industry has a track record of

The health of the Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry is in- innovation and technological advancement that is solving en- extricably linked to our rising offshore wind industry. Offshore ergy challenges, increasing ef?ciency, and reducing emissions. oil and gas innovation is helping to build the offshore wind Not only can we solve energy and climate problems, but we sector. Hundreds of companies, many of which have their can also scale and deploy real-world solutions. roots in oil and gas, are helping to build out the offshore sector. As President-elect Biden begins building his agenda that

Wood Mackenzie found the near-term wind lease sales in coalesces around economic, social and environmental oppor- just four offshore areas - New York, North and South Caro- tunities, he should not forget the opportunity the offshore lina, Maine and California – could provide 37 gigawatts of energy industry can provide. Alignment with the offshore op- new, clean energy, support 80,000 annual jobs, and drive portunity would be a win for every American.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 11