On December 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2360 – the Providing for Our Workforce and Energy Resources Act (POWER Act) – a bill introduced by Congressman Jeff Landry (R, LA-03) that clarifies that offshore wind farms must comply with the same laws as offshore oil and gas production. The vote makes Landry the first Louisiana Representative to have a stand-alone bill accepted by the House this year.
“ The POWER Act makes an important clarification to ensure wind energy follows the same playbook that has made U.S. offshore oil and gas production such a nationally important, job-creating field,” said Landry. “The POWER Act provides important certainty so investors can confidently support offshore renewable projects and create new jobs for American offshore workers. I applaud all who joined me in voting for final passage of the bill. ”
Landry received praise from industry officials for his legislation and efforts to get the bill passed today. “ Thanks to Congressman Landry’s POWER Act, American workers will have the opportunity to build and operate a new generation of American vessels and offshore renewable energy installations, putting people to work at a time when our economy needs it the most ,” said Matthew Paxton, President of the Shipbuilders Council Of America.
[mappress] Offshore Wind Staff , December 14, 2011