Clean energy legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) has been praised in a report by the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis as a legislative solution to combat climate change. The watershed committee report unveiled today endorses Pascrell’s Incentivizing Offshore Wind Power Act (H.R. 4887), which will reduce reliance on dirty energy sources by bolstering America’s offshore wind industry and create thousands of well-paying American jobs. The report recommends passage of the bipartisan bill, which was introduced by Reps. Pascrell and Peter King (R-NY-02) in October 2019.

Pascrell’s legislation has also been included in the Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2), a transformational infrastructure package that makes investments in our nation’s transportation systems and clean energy sectors.

“Bolstering America’s offshore wind power capacity is critical in our fight against climate change. I am proud that my  legislation has been recognized by the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis as a needed solution to the climate crisis,” said Rep. Pascrell, co-sponsor of the Green New Deal. “Our measure will modernize American infrastructure by reducing our reliance on dirty energy sources. By extending tax credits for America’s offshore wind industry, the industry can continue to grow for generations to come. Under the leadership of Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey has led the way on expanding offshore wind capacity. Our bill will support New Jersey’s progress and encourage more development around the country to reduce carbon emissions. Above all else, my bill is essential because it will help protect the planet for our children and our grandchildren. That has been my mission since day one and it remains my mission today.”

Rep. Pascrell has introduced a version of his offshore wind legislation in every Congress since 2009. Bipartisan companion legislation, S. 1988, has been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE) and Susan Collins (R-ME).

“The development of the offshore wind industry is critical to New Jersey and other states transitioning to 100% clean energy,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy when the bill was first introduced. “With a potential of up to $70 billion in revenues in the offshore wind supply chain and tens of thousands of new jobs, it is vital to ensure that these projects have the resources to move forward. Through Congressman Pascrell’s leadership, the growth of offshore wind in New Jersey will expand our economy, help us reach our clean energy goals, and create quality jobs for New Jerseyans.”

“Offshore wind has great potential to provide our communities with the clean energy and good, family-supporting jobs that we need,” said Matthew Davis, Legislative Director of the League of Conservation Voters when the bill was first introduced. “Passing clean energy tax incentives is our big chance this year to advance climate solutions and move us towards 100% clean economy and net zero emissions by 2050.”

“Our economy and our environment have enormous potential to benefit from offshore wind energy, and this legislation would enable us to more quickly and affordably seize that incredible opportunity,” said Matt Bearzotti, Deputy Legislative Director of the Sierra Club when the bill was first introduced. “Offshore wind is critical piece of the clean energy pie, and tax incentives are a key way to scale the industry up so that it benefits working people and coastal communities across the nation."  

Rep. Pascrell’s efforts to protect our environment and combat climate change stem from his mission to leave a better world for future generations. From working with federal officials to clean up Berry’s Creek, to sweeping federal efforts like the Green New Deal, Pascrell continues to work with his colleagues in every level of government to combat climate change head-on and preserve our cherished natural resources. Additionally, in March 2019, Rep. Pascrell led a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross calling on him to initiate an investigation into the threat of carbon pollution pursuant to his authority under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.