At this year’s National Clean Energy Week, hosted by Citizens for Responsible Energy (CRES), our Executive Director Hillary Bright took the stage in front of a full room of energy leaders to talk about offshore wind’s growing role in America’s economy.
A Supply Chain That Already Reaches 40 States
Hillary pointed out that offshore wind is no longer just an idea; it’s already driving real economic activity here at home. Projects on the East Coast alone have generated nearly 2,000 supplier contracts across 40 states.
Crucially, those supplier contracts are not only happening on the coasts. Steel from Ohio and West Virginia, electrical equipment from Texas, and precision parts from Kansas and Iowa are all playing a role. As more projects move forward (and as the West Coast ramps up) the footprint will only grow.
“An entirely new sector of large-scale projects is taking shape,” Hillary explained. “The offshore wind industry needs engines, steel, cables, vessels, substations – you name it. That’s a huge opportunity for American manufacturing.”
Why Federal Certainty Matters
Policy has played a big part in getting the industry to this point, from early Department of Energy research to the clean energy investments in the Inflation Reduction Act. But, Hillary emphasized that the biggest driver is certainty.
“Investors trust the U.S. because we’ve historically applied regulations fairly and consistently,” she said. “When projects are paused without warning, it shakes that trust. Certainty is what makes long-term investments possible – and leaders on both sides of the aisle understand that.”
Offshore Wind and Core American Priorities
Hillary also noted that offshore wind lines up with many of the priorities the Trump Administration cares about:
- Manufacturing jobs – already active in 40 states.
- Shipbuilding – including a $700 million heavy-lift vessel that recently finished construction in Texas.
- Reliable power – to support new industries like AI and data centers that are driving electricity demand.
“This is exactly the kind of opportunity the U.S. should be leaning into – where clean energy is a critical piece of the broader energy mix in achieving national security and economic competitiveness,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Hillary closed with a reminder that both manufacturers and the energy sector know what it’s like to weather cycles. Offshore wind is no different.
“Offshore wind isn’t just clean energy,” she said. “It’s America’s chance to lead in manufacturing, jobs, and energy dominance.”
A big thank you to CRES for hosting such a thoughtful and engaging event!