Offshore Wind Coexistence Fact Sheet

Policy Options

While BOEM and other federal agencies play the leading role in federal offshore wind projects, states have power in these processes — such as offshore cable approval and permitting of onshore infrastructure — to maximize coexistence with offshore wind projects.

• Improved Port Infrastructure: In 2025, California (AB-472) advanced legislation to require agencies to develop a plan and assess funding needs for improved waterfront facilities to accommodate offshore wind energy. Similarly, New York recently allocated $300 million for the development of port infrastructure and the growing offshore wind energy industry. 
• Fisheries Compensation Funds: States may reach agreements with wind developers to facilitate compensation funding. Legislators in Massachusetts (S.668) have introduced legislation to establish a fisheries offshore wind mitigation fund, and California established a legislature-supported fund for loans in the fishing industry.
• Mitigation and Monitoring: The Atlantic’s offshore wind projects publish Environmental Impact Statements that capture monitoring and mitigation efforts for marine species. In 2025, Connecticut (SB-63) also introduced legislation to require the state to disburse mitigation funds to address potential impacts to wildlife or fisheries, as well as support workforce development retraining for fishermen adversely impacted.