Humboldt, CA – Today, Representative Jared Huffman and Assemblymember Mike Gipson visited the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District to learn about innovative new offshore wind energy infrastructure. They were joined by Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom for Offshore Wind Jana Ganion, officials in the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), and the Office of the California Lieutenant Governor. The tour, which was jointly hosted by the California Association of Port Authorities, focused on highlighting California’s opportunity to advance offshore wind energy.
Offshore wind has the potential to play a major role in California’s ambitious goals to reduce climate change. The State of California has estimated that an investment of $12 billion is needed to upgrade existing port infrastructure to reach 25 GW of offshore wind power by 2045. California Ports are urging that funding port infrastructure be included in the new climate bond state lawmakers are proposing.
In January, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler, along with Representative Huffman, announced that the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District would receive $426.7 million for the construction and maintenance of offshore wind infrastructure.
“The Port of Humboldt Bay’s offshore wind terminal is the first of its kind on the West Coast and will make great strides in our statewide ambitions to create a green and sustainable supply chain,” said Assemblymember Mike Gipson, who serves as Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement. “As we plan for the future, California must make significant investments in offshore wind to fight climate change.”
“We are proud to welcome Assemblymember Mike Gipson and Representative Jared Huffman to the Port of Humboldt Bay where they have had the opportunity to see this incredible technology first-hand,” said Executive Director of the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District Chris Mikkelsen. “Working collaboratively with its ports, California can develop the infrastructure that will launch this new offshore wind energy industry, providing good paying jobs and fighting climate change.”
CAPA comprises 11 major deepwater port authorities across our state. Since its founding in 1940, CAPA has remained dedicated to this mission by educating state and federal policymakers on port operations while also advancing the best interests of the maritime community.