Wind proponents cheer as BOEM advances environmental review of New Jersey offshore wind project to public scrutiny
As of this week, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will publish its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Ocean Wind 1 Offshore Wind Farm near New Jersey, set to be the state’s first and an important piece of an offshore federal push.
The proposed project could power more than 500,000 homes per year, as part of a Biden administration push for 30 GW of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030. The DEIS laid out the potential environmental impacts of this, including both construction and operation of an offshore wind energy facility in the region. Details will appear in the Federal Register on June 24, upon which a 45-day public comment period will open.
Wind power advocates, including the American Clean Power Association (ACP), praised the move.
“Moving forward with a timely review for this project – and others like it in the pipeline – unlocks the enormous untapped potential for U.S. offshore wind to meet our nation’s clean energy and emission reduction goals,” Josh Kaplowitz, vice president of offshore wind for ACP, said. “Offshore wind farms are some of the most carefully scrutinized infrastructure projects in the country, not just in terms of environmental and socio-economic effects but also in terms of the substantial climate and jobs benefits that their construction and operation bring. Projects like Ocean Wind are critical to deliver the clean energy customers and businesses want. The 1,100 MW New Jersey project, jointly developed by Ørsted and Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), would power over 500,000 homes per year.”
The EIS is subject to change over time. Through three virtual public meetings and commentary received through Aug. 8, 2022, BOEM will use input received to inform the final EIS. As it stands, Ocean Wind intends to construct up to 98 wind turbine generators and three offshore substations within the lease area, which is located 15 statute miles southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
“BOEM remains committed to an environmental review process that establishes a strong foundation for offshore wind projects in the U.S. while promoting ocean co-use and avoiding or reducing potential conflicts,” BOEM Director Amanda Lefton said.
Public meetings on the project will follow on July 14, July 20, and July 26. Pre-registration for the virtual affairs is encouraged.
