HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. — The Pacific Ocean has enormous potential to generate wind energy, and this move by the federal government means for the first time, offshore wind energy off the West Coast will help power over one million homes.

To get there, the federal government will open five lease areas for companies to bid on in December.

This includes Central California off the coast of San Luis Obispo County, and Northern California off the coast of Eureka.

The news received applause from clean energy supporters such as the nonprofit League of Conservation Voters, whose government affairs Advocate David Shadburn says this moment is a significant milestone for the clean energy transition.