(NewsUSA) Wind power can be a breath of fresh air for many communities in the form of creating jobs and lowering energy costs.

 

In fact, proposed plans calling for 20,000 to 30,000 megawatt s (MW) of off shore wind capacity to be operational by 2030 include projections for up to 83,000 American-based jobs, according to a report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

 

“Off shore wind is key to the future of clean energy development in the U.S. and will add to a thriving wind power industry that already represents the largest source of renewable energy in the country,” says AWEA CEO Tom Kiernan.

 

“The off shore wind industry will create tens of thousands of jobs and provide billions of dollars to the economy, while delivering on its enormous untapped potential to power major population centers, such as up and down the East Coast.”

 

The off shore wind industry is positioned to follow in the footsteps of the successful growth experienced by land-based wind. Currently, onshore and off shore wind support more than 500 manufacturing facilities and account for more than 120,000 jobs in the United States.

 

Wind technician is ranked as the second-fastest-growing job in the country, and building and maintaining off shore wind farms will require a diverse workforce, including wind technicians, electricians, welders, longshoremen, and vessel operators. Many job skills used in other fields, such as the oil and gas industry, are transferrable to working on off shore wind turbines, according to AWEA.

 

In addition, the economic impact of off shore wind will reach beyond the East Coast, as more facilities are needed to build supplies for the growing wind industry.

 

Also, the benefi ts of off shore wind power extend beyond job creation to improving and stabilizing utility costs for millions of Americans through an affordable, clean energy source.

 

Currently, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusett s, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia have set targets for developing off shore wind farms as part of their clean energy commitments, according to AWEA.

 

State governors and other local officials recognize the potential of off shore wind, but they need to hear from the public as well, according to AWEA.

 

For more information about the possibilities and benefi ts off shore wind brings to the economy and environment, and to voice your support, visit supportoff shorewind.org.