BOEM seeking public comment on offshore wind development in New England

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking public comment to gauge the public’s interest in potential commercial offshore wind energy development in the water off the coast of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

“BOEM is committed to transparent, inclusive, and data-driven processes, and public input is essential to helping us determine areas that may be suitable for offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine,” BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein said. “We are still early in the planning and leasing process, and we look forward to the multiple future opportunities for engagement.”

BOEM published the call for comments and nominations for the Commercial Leasing for Wind Power Development on the Gulf of Maine Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Federal Register on Apr. 26, 2023. This initiated a 45-day public comment period. BOEM will accept nominations and comments through June 12.

After the public comment period closes, BOEM will review and analyze the commercial nominations and public comments that were submitted.

“The feedback that we have received prior to this announcement has been extremely valuable in informing the process and understanding the unique dynamics that the Gulf of Maine presents,” BOEM Project Coordinator Zach Jylkka said. “The success of BOEM’s commercial leasing process hinges upon continued public input, and we are fortunate that many passionate and knowledgeable individuals and organizations are willing to share their experiences and expertise to help shape these important outcomes.”

BOEM has worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) to conduct a spatial analysis of the area. As a result, it removed approximately 160,000 acres from future consideration to avoid Georges Bank.

Further, BOEM identified four areas that it specifically seeks public input on during this next phase of the review, including Lobster Management Area I, Platts Bank, Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Restricted Areas, and Georges Bank. These are areas that were most commented on in the most recent public engagement.

The initiative has the support of the American Clean Power Association.

“Today’s action from BOEM is another step in advancing offshore wind power across the East Coast. A robust lease sale in the Gulf of Maine will position the region as a global leader in floating offshore wind manufacturing and deployment while creating good-paying American jobs. Offshore wind can be built in the Gulf of Maine in a manner that will allow this industry, commercial fishing, and ocean ecosystems to coexist and thrive,” Josh Kaplowitz, vice president of Offshore Wind at the American Clean Power Association, said.