On December 10, 2019, Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren announced an environmental proposal that recommends a variety of ocean-related conservation and energy plans titled the “Blue New Deal.” [1] One of the primary focuses of Warren’s proposal is how the U.S. can use the ocean as a place for energy development and production. While she cites a variety of clean energy technologies, including more out-there proposals for wave energy and algae-based biofuels, Warren emphasizes offshore wind as an area for major growth. The Blue New Deal lists several benefits of offshore wind including carbon-free energy production and boosts to the economy. Warren’s campaign cites statistics that by 2030 offshore wind from Maine to Maryland could provide 36,000 full-time jobs in the U.S. Currently, only one offshore wind project—the 30-megawatt Block Island farm off the coast of Rhode Island [2]— is in operation but several developers have major offshore installations in the works. Under the Blue New Deal, federal clean energy tax credits would be extended but any incentives available to offshore wind would depend on the project benefiting nearby communities. These promises address current concerns in coastal communities that offshore wind will hurt their economies.

[1] https://elizabethwarren.com/plans/blue-new-deal

[2] https://kokosingindustrial.com/projects/block-island-wind-farm/