Offshore wind: powering the central coast’s future

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OPINION – Following BOEM’s announcement canceling future offshore wind leases across the U.S., it’s important to remember that California still holds existing leases, including the wind area off the Central Coast. As an IBEW electrician, it’s clear to me that offshore wind is essential for our region’s future.

Having spent my career as an IBEW electrician on the Central Coast, specifically Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo, I’ve seen firsthand how this region has powered California, from Diablo Canyon to various fossil fuel operations. We understand the energy business, and frankly, it’s time for a change. As we transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, offshore wind isn’t just a good idea; it’s the perfect solution for our community and our future.

The most immediate and tangible benefit of offshore wind is jobs. Good, union jobs. These aren’t temporary gigs; they are long-term careers that will provide stability and prosperity for families right here on the Central Coast. We’re talking about jobs in manufacturing, construction, operations, and maintenance – all roles where skilled tradespeople, like my IBEW brothers and sisters, will be in high demand. We’ve seen firsthand how a robust energy sector can support local economies, and offshore wind offers us a chance to revive that economic engine for generations to come.

Beyond job creation, offshore wind addresses a critical need for our region: energy infrastructure. The Central Coast is currently losing out on business opportunities because we simply don’t have the energy capacity to power new businesses that want to move to our area. This isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a drag on our economic growth and a limit to our potential. Offshore wind provides a reliable, clean energy source that can directly power our local economy, ensuring that the energy we produce off our coast is used right here, creating a self-sufficient and resilient energy grid.

Furthermore, this is about building a secure and affordable energy future. Union members are committed to keeping California affordable, and that extends to the energy we produce. By investing in offshore wind, we are investing in a stable energy supply that will help regulate energy costs and provide a consistent source of power for our homes, businesses, and industries. This isn’t just about environmental stewardship, it’s about practical economics and ensuring a strong future for the Central Coast.

Now, let me be clear: supporting offshore wind doesn’t make me an environmentalist. I’m an electrician. My primary concern is providing reliable power and good jobs. My priority is ensuring that our nation remains strong, economically stable, and self-sufficient. For me, offshore wind is a common-sense solution to real-world problems.

Keeping America resilient means having a robust energy supply. It means creating and sustaining well-paying jobs for American workers. It means investing in infrastructure that supports our economy and allows businesses to thrive. It means adapting to new technologies and embracing innovation. Offshore wind does all of these things. It’s an opportunity to revitalize our manufacturing sector, train a new generation of skilled workers, and secure our energy independence. This isn’t about political ideology — it’s about pragmatism, progress, and powering our future.

The Central Coast has always been a place of innovation and hard work. Let’s continue that legacy by embracing offshore wind. It’s a win-win for our community, our economy, and our future.

Mark Simonin is the Business Manager at IBEW 639, and lives in San Luis Obispo.