California is committed to carbon neutrality by 2045 as part of its broader efforts to address climate change. Meeting this ambitious clean energy goal requires a portfolio approach that includes offshore wind energy, with planning goals of 5 gigawatts by 2030 and 25 gigawatts by 2045.

As California pursues its offshore wind energy goals it will need a strong scientific foundation to safeguard ecosystems, tribal cultural resources, and coastal communities throughout offshore wind construction and operation. OPC is creating a West Coast Science Collaborative (WCSC) to provide independent and objective scientific expertise and support regulatory decision making and adaptive management. A coordinated and transparent body, informed by subject-matter experts, will help gather, generate, review, and share the best available science-based data and information to guide environmentally responsible offshore wind planning and development along the California Coast. Critically, the WCSC will provide a forum for cross-sector collaboration and a venue for transparent information sharing with the public, building trust and accountability as this new industry develops.

The draft Blueprint will inform the establishment of the WCSC, including its purpose, goals, organizational structure, and initial activities to inform offshore wind development.

We invite you to review the draft Blueprint and share your feedback during the public comment period until Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Photo courtesy of Marine Directorate