California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that would help accelerate the design and building of the Port of Long Beach’s $4.7 billion Pier Wind project, a proposed terminal dedicated to facilitating the assembly of floating offshore wind turbines, the port announced Sept. 30.
Authored by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, Assembly Bill 2235 seeks to help lower the cost and speed up the timetable of the 400-acre terminal project by letting the port pursue alternative construction delivery methods.
“Pier Wind will help the state meet climate goals, create jobs and economic opportunities for local communities, and establish a new green energy industry along the West Coast,” POLB CEO Mario Cordero said.
The signing of AB 2235 comes more than three years after the Biden administration announced that it would open California’s Northern and Central coasts to offshore wind development as part of the administration’s larger goal to generate 30 gigawatts of domestic offshore wind by 2030.
Pier Wind is in the midst of an environmental review by local, state and federal agencies while the port collects community feedback.
If approved, project construction could begin as early as 2027, with the first 200 acres done by 2031 and full completion by 2035.
