Many states are looking to offshore wind as a key source of clean energy that’s essential in their fight against climate change. Other states are just looking to cash in.
“States and regions that invest in offshore wind are going to benefit greatly economically,” said South Carolina state Rep. Jason Elliott, a Republican. “If South Carolina doesn't take advantage of this emerging industry, the concern would be that it will go elsewhere.”
Elliott sponsored a bill that became law this year directing state Commerce Department officials to study the economic potential of producing equipment needed for the offshore wind industry. South Carolina lags other Atlantic coast states on policies aimed at putting turbines in the water, partly because of a reluctance to impose renewable energy mandates on electricity suppliers. But Elliott and other state leaders want to compete for the fabrication, manufacturing and shipping of components for the fast-developing industry.
