The United States federal government has developed a strategy for an energy transition with the goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions economy-wide by the year 2050, 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035, and 30 Gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030. Understanding the potential effects of this transition on communities, particularly on coastal communities and those which are historically under-resourced, will be critical to promote equitable energy provision. In the United States, the Justice40 initiative was launched through executive order, which aims to direct 40% of the benefits of federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities. To ensure that these goals for equity and environmental justice are addressed throughout the energy transition, and specifically in offshore energy efforts, the complex technical, economic, and political frameworks should be better understood. These include facilitating ongoing engagement with environmental justice and community leaders, creating clean energy plans with a focus on eliminating energy poverty, and advancing technical solutions with disadvantaged communities as a central focus. During this colloquium, our panel of experts in community engagement, policy, and technology will discuss advancing both equity and deep decarbonizaton in the United States, highlighting opportunities and challenges in the energy sector as it aims to meet the nation’s clean energy goals.