Speaking Engagement

Offshore Wind: Is Change in the Air?

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to present the complimentary webinar Offshore Wind: Is Change in the Air? on Thursday, March 28, 2019, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. (EDT).

The offshore wind market in the U.S. is taking off. To date, 14 leases have been issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Trump Administration has been supportive of offshore wind—as long as it is not subsidized—and contributes to an “all of the above” energy strategy. Further, many east coast states—governors and legislatures—are establishing ambitious goals for offshore wind, specifically, and renewable energy, generally. These goals are contributing to the growing number of leases especially off New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Rhode Island. Experienced European developers have also bought many of the leases, bringing their expertise to this new energy platform.

Partners Mark R. Haskell, Margaret Anne Hill, and Jonathan K. Waldron will serve as panelists and Of Counsel Joan M. Bondareff will moderate a discussion about this evolving arena. Topics will include:

• Wind farms on the OCS implicate the Jones Act—does the United States have the vessels needed to construct and manage these farms?
• How does the evolution of the industry impact vessel operating regulatory compliance issues, including visa concerns for crews?
• Now that the leases are issued, what issues surround bringing the energy on shore?
• What obstacles exist to the integration of OSW resources into the wholesale power grid, and how can they be managed?
• What steps are necessary to ensure that state utility commissions approve the wind purchases and that public and private off-takers agree to purchase the wind?
• Which environmental considerations are associated with wind power?
• Costs are coming down, but will that be enough to satisfy state commissions and the ratepayers?

Please contact Cassandra Kaiser for more information about this webinar or click here to register.

Please submit any questions you may have about offshore wind to questions@blankrome.com before or during to the webinar.