WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, the Biden Administration announced a goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind in the United States by 2030, while protecting biodiversity and promoting ocean co-use. 110 groups came together to offer unified support for the plan, underscoring that “offshore wind power can and must be developed in a manner that protects coastal and marine ecosystems and advances social and racial equity and environmental justice.”

“The unprecedented joint set of commitments between the Commerce, Interior, Energy, and Transportation Departments sends a clear signal that the United States is back in the climate game and ready to use all the tools in our toolbelt to reduce our emissions and create a healthier future for people and wildlife, alike,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “The National Wildlife Federation looks forward to working with the Biden Administration, industry leaders, and our partners to ensure that all offshore wind projects protect wildlife every step of the way while centering environmental justice and investing in jobs and clean energy that benefit local communities.”

On Friday, a broad coalition of 110 business, community, environmental, and labor groups issued the following “unity statement” in response to the Biden Administration’s announcement of new leasing, funding, and development goals to accelerate and deploy offshore wind energy and jobs:

As renewable energy developers, workers of all stripes, front-line community members, and environmental advocates, we applaud President Biden’s early, bold commitments to advance 30 gigawatts of responsible offshore wind development by 2030. The Administration-wide approach to jumpstart American offshore wind power—including tangible next steps on leasing, permitting, port investments, loan guarantees, research funding, and more—offers a solid game plan for confronting the climate crisis and ensuring we Build Back Better.

We face unprecedented and intersecting environmental, public health, and economic crises that exacerbate racial and social injustices—presenting an existential threat to our communities, our nation, and our world. Offshore wind is uniquely positioned to help address these challenges. The Administration’s sweeping, whole-government approach outlined this week signals the urgency, seriousness, and determination that is needed to face these threats head on.

We are united in our belief that done right, offshore wind power will create thousands of quality, family-sustaining jobs in manufacturing, construction, operations, and maintenance, and in the development of port facilities and associated infrastructure. We agree that offshore wind power can and must be developed in a manner that protects coastal and marine ecosystems and advances social and racial equity and environmental justice.

Together, we stand ready to work with the Biden Administration to help fulfill today’s offshore wind commitments with a comprehensive, responsible approach to scaling up this critical new energy source for America.

Click here for the full list of signatories.

For additional information on recent offshore wind news please read the press releases from the White House and the Departments of Interior, Energy, Commerce, and Transportation, and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

Click here for more information on the National Wildlife Federation’s work to advance responsibly developed offshore wind power in the Atlantic.