In an effort to align federal policy objectives, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and the Offshore Wind Development Coalition (OWDC) have entered into a memorandum of understanding for coordinated advocacy. Additionally, the OWDC will not be seeking membership next year and will operate inside of AWEA going forward.
The OWDC, founded by seven offshore wind developers in 2009, provided offshore wind developers a voice for regulatory and legislative policies that supported the efficient and effective development of the offshore wind industry in the U.S.
Most notably, the association was led by offshore wind veteran Jim Lanard, who served as OWDC's executive director until December 2013. Lanard's successor, Doug Pfeister, was recently named senior vice president of TUV Sud PMSS.
Dennis Duffy, vice president of regulatory affairs for Cape Wind and the OWDC chair, says the two associations share common goals, including a long-term extension of the investment tax credit for offshore wind projects.
Chris Long, AWEA's manager of offshore wind and siting policy, notes that aligning policy objectives will allow for streamlined messaging in federal and state advocacy efforts.Â
In related news, AWEA says it will establish an Offshore Wind Strategic Committee, which will act as a steering committee for the AWEA Offshore Wind Working Group, which is also being renamed as the AWEA Offshore Wind Committee.
