First-of-its-kind legislation promotes funding for community engagement in California’s offshore wind process
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2025
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jessica Gable jessica@sunstonestrategies.org, 352-514-2927
Leela Yadav, leela@sunstonestrategies.org
First-of-its-kind legislation promotes funding for community engagement in California’s offshore wind process
Assemblymember Stefani and environmental justice, labor, conservation, and Tribal advocates celebrate the Governor’s signature on AB 1417 as a crucial step in equitable offshore wind planning
Sacramento, Calif. – Yesterday, Governor Newsom signed into law AB 1417 (Stefani), a bill that will boost local communities’ capacity to engage in planning for offshore wind energy projects. Support from both the Legislature and the Governor on the bill affirms the state’s commitment to clean energy development, and signals California’s intent to lay the groundwork for an equitable offshore wind industry.
“Offshore wind is a cornerstone of California’s clean energy future, but we can’t build that future without including the voices of the communities who live closest to the impacts,” said Assemblymember Stefani (D-San Francisco), author of the bill. “The California Energy Commission’s own strategic plan makes it clear: community participation—especially from tribes and frontline communities—is not optional. It’s essential. I’m proud to see the Governor’s support of AB 1417, which will help move us towards a cleaner grid and a more just one.
AB 1417 requires offshore wind developers to report to the California Energy Commission (CEC) on their contributions by region to local communities and Tribal Nations for capacity building purposes related to offshore wind. It also makes “capacity building” an eligible allocation for funding through the CEC’s Voluntary Offshore Wind and Coastal Resources Protection Program, ensuring that any voluntary donations and funding into this account can be used for this purpose.
“As a proud sponsor, Brightline celebrates Governor Newsom’s signature of AB 1417. This marks a step forward for equity in offshore wind and renewable energy development,” said Eddie Ahn, Executive Director of Brightline Defense Project, the bill’s key sponsor. “It is crucial to ensure that local communities and Tribal Nations can shape and benefit from offshore wind development, which this legislation will help realize. Not only will this empower communities to be active agents in the clean energy transition, but it will also provide a pathway to greater local jobs, investments, and other benefits. This can help advance California’s climate priorities while empowering those most burdened by the current system.”
Many local and Tribal communities lack the capacity to engage fully in offshore wind planning. As outlined in the CEC’s offshore wind strategic plan, capacity building, technical assistance, and financial resources are essential to address these barriers. AB 1417 helps to fill this gap by making funding and resource distribution more transparent, allowing the state and public to track where resources are going and where additional funding is still needed.
"The Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe celebrates the passage of AB 1417. Offshore wind aims to provide clean electrification across the state and move us to a renewable-powered future. This ambitious goal, however, does not come without risk. Tribes need assurances that they too will benefit in a meaningful way and not experience the consequences of historical extractive processes. We are optimistic that the California Energy Commission (CEC) recognizes the value of Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Determination and this bill will continue to improve transparency and investment in communities and Tribes,” said Heidi Moore-Guynup, Director Tribal and Government Affairs at the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe.
“By involving communities early in decision making, California can incorporate their local expertise and knowledge, leading to more responsible offshore wind development,” said Matt Simmons, Climate Attorney at the Environmental Protection Information Center. “AB 1417 sets a model for transparency and accountability in our clean energy future, helping ensure community voices are front and center in planning efforts. It is the right step for the communities I work with in Humboldt."
Beyond clean energy, offshore wind in California is expected to create up to 65,000 high-quality jobs across various sectors, including construction, operation, and maintenance. AB 1417 encourages the sharing of information about resources that can help local communities and Tribes participate meaningfully in project planning, ensuring they are the first to benefit.
“Offshore wind development in California comes with remarkable opportunities for good paying jobs and workforce development while moving our climate goals forward. By creating a new domestic supply chain, the offshore wind industry can help revitalize local economies and bring major investments in frontline communities,” said Sam Appel, Policy Director, United Autoworkers Region 6. “Community engagement is essential to actualizing this vision. As we know from examples in the East Coast, bringing in local residents as partners, not just bystanders, can help build public trust and support for these large-scale projects. We applaud proactive measures to support this, such as AB 1417.”
Celebrated by a broad coalition of environmental justice, labor, conservation, and Tribal advocates, AB 1417 will lay the groundwork for a successful offshore wind industry in California through investing in early, meaningful engagement with local communities and Tribal Nations. This is crucial to ensuring California’s continued momentum and leadership on equitable offshore wind development.
Interview contact: Jessica Gable, jessica@sunstonestrategies.org, 352-514-2927