ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 127
BY REPRESENTATIVE MAGEE
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To urge and request the Department of Economic Development, in consultation with the
Louisiana Workforce Commission, to evaluate the state's business advantages,
economic climate, and workforce readiness to compete in attracting offshore wind
energy supply chain industries to the state and to report their findings no later than
February 1, 2024.
WHEREAS, some estimates indicate that America's offshore wind industry presents
a one hundred nine billion dollar revenue opportunity to businesses in the offshore wind
supply chain over the next ten years; and
WHEREAS, recent Bureau of Ocean Energy Management lease auctions in federal
waters off four states have cumulatively generated almost five billion five hundred million
dollars in revenue, demonstrating the private sector's commitment to developing this new
energy resource; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is planning lease sales in the
Gulf of Mexico, including off Lake Charles, and the Louisiana Legislature has previously
expanded the size of wind leases in state waters; and
WHEREAS, multiple industrial-scale offshore wind farms are set for construction
in United States waters; and
WHEREAS, several Louisiana firms have already made critical contributions to
America's existing offshore wind facilities and continue to develop critical ship and
installation infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana's leadership in offshore energy production as well as existing
maritime trades, workforce, and manufacturing assets give this state a competitive advantage
to attract new investment and expand businesses in this emerging sector; and
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WHEREAS, the enhanced economic activity in the offshore wind supply chain has
the potential to generate new jobs, support a skilled workforce, and increase local tax bases
throughout the state.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
urge and request the Department of Economic Development, in consultation with Louisiana
Workforce Commission, to study this state's potential economic and workforce growth
opportunities and challenges related to attracting new businesses and assist with the
expansion of existing offshore wind supply chain companies.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no later than February 1, 2024, the Department
of Economic Development shall submit to the elected members of the legislature and to the
David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library a written report featuring key findings from
the study called for in this Resolution and recommendations concerning the means by which
this state can enhance its competitive economic advantage in the offshore wind supply chain
sector and develop the needed skilled workforce within this state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study called for in this Resolution may
consider and identify:
(1)Discrete segments within the offshore supply chain, including advanced
manufacturing operations, specialty component manufacturing, seaport network
infrastructure, ship building, component assembly, transportation and distribution, and
ancillary services for future offshore wind energy projects.
(2)For each segment of the offshore wind supply chain, the estimated number
and type of current and potential offshore wind supply chain jobs.
(3)Potential industry growth and activity in this state's existing seaport network,
advanced manufacturing, energy production and management, shipbuilding, and other
related industries.
(4)The greatest impact investment options to produce the largest net economic
output, including identification of the geographic areas and local tax bases most likely to
benefit.
(5)Necessary upgrades to this state's port infrastructure to accommodate offshore
wind installation vessel construction and component assembly.
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(6)Expected additional contributions to state economic output and potential
ancillary economic benefits.
(7)Any additional information the Department of Economic Development or
consulting agencies identifies as relevant.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the report called for in this Resolution may
include the following:
(1)An analysis of current resources in this state compared to the workforce
education, training, development, and recruitment needed to offer a skilled workforce for
employers in the offshore wind supply chain industry.
(2)An evaluation of the potential benefits of and opportunities to develop
private-sector partnerships of offshore wind supply chain industries to support workforce
development and training.
(3)An assessment of opportunities for partnerships with neighboring states to
undertake complementary actions, policies, and investments that will help achieve a
domestic supply chain and workforce.
(4)Identification of available funding, including from federal programs and
resources, to support the recruitment and expansion of offshore wind supply chain
companies and related workforce development.
(5)Actionable recommendations for this state to recruit new businesses and assist
with the expansion of existing, offshore wind supply chain companies.
(6)Recommendations for further study, policies, or investments in aspects of the
offshore wind energy supply chain.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Department of Economic Development and the secretary of the Louisiana
Workforce Commission.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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