As part of the Biden-Harris administrations goal of permitting 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) today announced it is preparing a draft environmental assessment (EA) to consider the impacts of potential offshore wind leasing in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The Mayer Brown Practices are established in various jurisdictions and may be a legal person or a partnership. BOEM Designates Two Wind Energy Areas in Gulf of As part of our environmental review process, we seek input from Tribes, our government partners, the fishing community, and other ocean users to inform our next steps.. Stewarding Conservation and Powering Our Future, Toggle Dyslexia-friendly black-on-creme color scheme, Secretarial Schedules (July 2018-July2019), Secretary Haaland Highlights Clean Energy, Collaborative Conservation During Investing in America Tour Stops in New York and Vermont, Biden-Harris Administration Approves Third Major Offshore Wind Project in U.S. Weblocations that appear most suitable for wind energy development, taking into consideration potential impacts to resources and ocean users. In addition to executive actions, the Administration is also working to swiftly implement provisions of President Bidens Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will further accelerate offshore wind, including clean energy tax credits to support manufacturing and deployment, as well as investments in transmission and port infrastructure.Building on Recent Administration Actions. Request for Interest in Commercial Leasing for Wind Power Outer Continental Shelf. Wind Therefore, BOEM is seeking public Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico, a key milestone towards the potential first-ever offshore wind lease sale in the Gulf. On Oct. 31, 2022, BOEM announced two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) offshore Texas and Louisiana that total about 682,000 acres a subset of the 30-million-acre Call Area announced in November 2021. Passcode: 609224, Tue., Jul. The final two WEAs have been slightly reduced in acreage since proposed. EOW EW 1 Individual Permit Application Appendix D BOEM received 107 comments, which helped inform the final WEAs. (504) 284-8605 As part of the Biden-Harris administrations goal of permitting 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Established in 2021, the Task Force is a partnership between federal, state, and local agencies and Tribal governments tasked with coordinating renewable energy planning activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of Mexico. Wind The announcement is part of the Administrations latest actions to expand offshore wind opportunities to more regions of the country, building on investments in the Presidents Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to spur offshore wind deployment and create good-paying jobs for American workers. The Department of the Interiors Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for Americas offshore energy and mineral resources. Public comments on the draft EA will also be accepted for 30 days beginning July 20, 2022. WebOn October 31, 2022, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) within the US Department of the Interior finalized two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) in the Gulf of Mexico The bureau promotes energy independence, environmental protection and economic development through responsible, science-based management of energy and mineral resources on the U.S. Contact:Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov. In this study, NREL established selection criteria for hypothetical wind plant locations throughout the Gulf of Mexico and recommended to BOEM six viable study Specifically, this meeting will aim to: Discuss Draft GOM Renewable Energy Environmental Assessment (EA), Discuss Draft GOM Renewable Energy Wind Energy Areas (WEAs). Central Atlantic | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Phone: 202-208-6474BOEM Public Affairs, Areas have potential to power nearly 3 million homes. (202) 531-0667 As part of the Biden-Harris administrations goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) today announced it will initiate the environmental review of a proposed 2,430-megawatt wind energy project offshore Massachusetts. Update the Task Force members and stakeholders on recent state activities. Installation of up to 155 turbines, up to two offshore substation platforms, and up to two offshore export cables, which are planned to make landfall in Astoria, New York, and Waterford, Connecticut. WASHINGTON In another step by the Biden-Harris administration to grow Americas clean energy economy, the Department of the Interior today is proposing the first-ever offshore wind lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico. National Environmental Policy Act and Offshore Renewable Energy, BOEM Completes Environmental Review of Offshore Wind Leasing in the Gulf of Mexico, https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/gulf-mexico-activities. Office of Public Affairs Largest offshore wind farm to-date in US approved by Biden installation of meteorological buoys) activities expected to take place following lease issuance. If approved, the development and construction phases of the Beacon Wind project could support up to an estimated 6,491 jobs. Follow us to learn about opportunities to participate in our efforts and how we engage. The area that will be reviewed in the EA includes almost 30 million acres just west of the Mississippi River to the Texas/Mexican border. Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing its latest steps to expand offshore wind jobs and local economic development across the country. 221-17 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11361-3600. 18, 2023, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is holding its third Gulf of Mexico Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force meeting on July 27, 2022. BOEM is seeking public input on the identification of two potential wind energy areas (WEAs) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Layer: Gulf of Mexico Wind Speed - Annual Average (ID: 0) BOEM used the most current scientific data to analyze 30 million acres in the Call Area to find the best spaces for wind energy development. Date: Wednesday, July 20, 2022 In July 2022, the Department of the Interior announced that BOEM was seeking input on two draft WEAs during a 30-day public comment period. Based on the analysis in the EA, BOEM has issued a finding of no significant impacts to environmental resources. It serves as a forum to discuss stakeholder issues, exchanges data, and information about ocean use and resources, and facilitate collaboration opportunities. National Environmental Policy Act and Offshore Renewable Energy, BOEM Initiates Environmental Assessment for Offshore Wind in the Gulf of Mexico, https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/gulf-mexico-activities. The first WEA is located approximately 24 nautical miles (nm) off the coast of Galveston, TX. We are committed to a transparent, inclusive and data-driven process that ensures all ocean users flourish in the Gulf.. BOEM Announces Next Steps for Offshore Wind Energy in Gulf Ltd. President Biden BOEM is also seeking feedback on several lease stipulations that would reaffirm its commitment to create good-paying jobs and engage with ocean users and other stakeholders. Therefore, BOEM is seeking public comments on two Preliminary WEAs in the Gulf of Mexico. The area totals 508,265 acres and has the potential to power 2.1 million homes. Dial-in phone number: 888 788 0099 (Toll Free) Gulf of Mexico Wind Auction Seminar. The Department has also taken steps to evolve its approach to offshore wind to drive towards union-built projects and a domestic based supply chain. Gulf of Mexico BOEM will use these comments in its scoping process. Marine Mineral Research & Studies. For more information go to: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/gulf-mexico-activities. President Biden has called on us to address the climate crisis and Interior is taking that challenge to heart. Panel Offshore Wind Jurisdictional Authorities: Who is Who and What Do They Do? This growing industry will provide Americans with cleaner and cheaper energy, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and invest billions in new American energy supply chains, manufacturing, shipbuilding and servicing. Office of Public Affairs Washington, DC 20500, Proposes first-ever Gulf of Mexico offshore wind lease sale; welcomes California and Louisiana to Federal-State Partnership to build Americas supply chain and increase skilled workforce for offshore wind. Modeled for polygon output by BOEM geographers. Offshore Wind in the US Gulf of Mexico: Regional Economic The first draft WEA is located approximately 24 nautical miles (nm) off the coast of Galveston, TX. The EA considered potential environmental consequences of site characterization activities (i.e., biological, archeological, geological, and geophysical surveys and core samples) and site assessment activities (i.e., installation of meteorological buoys) associated with the possibility of issuing wind energy leases in the Gulf of Mexico. Official Press Release U.S. Department of Energy: The first WEA is located approximately 24 nautical miles (nm) off the coast of Galveston, TX. Outer Continental Shelf. The President has also set bold goals of deploying 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2030, as well as 15 GW specifically of floating offshore wind by 2035. Todays announcement in the Gulf of Mexico is one of many commitments we are making to spur innovation, create good-paying jobs, and collaborate with states, Tribes and communities to ensure that we are doing everything we can to care for our Earth.. National Environmental Policy Act and Offshore Renewable Energy, BOEM Announces Environmental Review of Proposed Wind Energy Project Offshore Massachusetts, https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_atMrQLFDTce4U5vX94q4rQ, https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ryflPSALTlWADAl5BVSSIQ. BOEM is seeking public input on the identification of two potential wind energy areas (WEAs) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM prepared the EA on the entire 30-million-acre Call Area to allow greater flexibility for possible identification of additional WEAs and to provide NEPA coverage in the event that non-competitive and research leases were proposed in the Call Area. On January 11, 2022, BOEM announced that it is preparing a draft environmental assessment (EA) for the Gulf of Mexico Call Area to assess potential impacts associated with issuing wind leases and conducting site assessment and characterization activities in the area. BOEM slightly reduced the size of the WEAs from their draft versions to address concerns expressed by the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard regarding shipping, marine navigation, and military operations. While advancing the first large-scale projects, and new manufacturing and port activity along the East Coast, the Administration has also supported development of the entire supply chain that stretches across other regions, from steel production in Alabama, Kentucky, and West Virginia to shipbuilding in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and beyond. Requiring that lessees provide a regular progress report summarizing engagement with Tribes and ocean users potentially affected by proposed offshore wind activities. Todays announcement comes after years of engagement with Tribes, other government agencies, ocean users and stakeholders, and this proposed sale notice provides another opportunity for them to weigh in on potential offshore wind leasing in the Gulf of Mexico.. BOEM Designates Two Wind Energy Areas in Gulf of Mexico Areas have potential to power nearly 3 million homes 10/31/2022 Contact (s) John Filostrat (504) 284 endstream endobj 228 0 obj <. As part of the Biden-Harris administrations goal of permitting 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) today issued a final environmental assessment (EA) on potential impacts from offshore wind leasing on the U.S. BOEM removed acreage from the WEAs to address concerns expressed by the shrimping industry and the Department of the Defense and the US Coast Guard regarding shipping, marine navigation, and military operations. Biden Administration Takes Action to Accelerate Offshore Wind in Gulf of Mexico and Southeast, US BOEM Announces First Offshore Wind Auction Off California, US Gulf of Mexico Offshore Wind Louisiana and Federal Updates, Offshore Wind and the US Inflation Reduction Act, US Offshore Wind Financing Considerations and Development Challenges, US Treasury to Propose Regulations on Domestic Content Bonus Credit, US Treasury to Propose Regulations on Energy Community Bonus Credit. Establishing and contributing to a fisheries compensatory mitigation fund or contributing to an existing fund to mitigate potential negative impacts to commercial and for-hire recreational fisheries caused by offshore wind development in the Gulf of Mexico. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) works under its renewable energy competitive leasing process to identify the offshore locations that appear most suitable for development, taking into consideration potential impacts to resources and ocean users. BOEM_BSEE/US_Gulf_Coast_Monthly_Offshore_Wind_Speed If the Department decides to proceed with the sale, BOEM will publish a Final Sale Notice at least 30 days ahead of the sale, which would announce the time and date of the lease sale and the companies qualified to participate in it. The WEAs represent offshore areas that appear to be the most suitable for wind energy development. The next steps in BOEMs renewable energy competitive leasing process include issuing a Proposed Sale Notice with a 60-day public comment period later this year or early next year. 2018. BOEM Gulf of Mexico director: Agency eyes offshore wind lease Environmental Studies Program Studies Development Plan FY If BOEM decides to proceed with the sale, the bureau will publish a Final Sale Notice at least 30 days ahead of the sale, which will announce the time and date of the lease sale and the companies qualified to participate in it. Instead of totaling 546,645 acres as proposed, it was finalized at 508,265 acres. The draft WEAs were reduced to avoid potential impacts on other ocean uses and resources, such as commercial and recreational fishing, maritime navigation, military activities, marine protected species, avian species, and existing infrastructure. Executive Order on tackling the climate crisis at home BOEMs Environmental Assessment is an important step to ensure that any development in the region is done responsibly and in a way that avoids, reduces, or mitigates potential impacts to the ocean and to ocean users.. 227 0 obj <> endobj Figure: BOEM Map of Gulf of Mexico final WEAs. The second WEA is located approximately 56 nm off the coast of Lake Charles, LA. The public meetings were held on the following dates and times. %PDF-1.5 % Draft Wind Energy Area Development Environmental Organizations' Meeting; To comment, please go to regulations.gov and search for docket no. Web(BOEM), offshore wind developers are required to evaluate the impact the proposed activities may have on fisheries resources (BOEM, 2019). Share information about existing Gulf of Mexico activities and marine conditions. Construction and operation of two wind energy facilities (Beacon Wind 1 and Beacon Wind 2) offshore Massachusetts with a total capacity of at least 2,430 megawatts of clean, renewable wind energy, which could power over 850,000 homes each year. BOEM Initiates Environmental Assessment for Offshore Facilitate coordination among federal, state, local, and tribal governments regarding the wind energy leasing process on the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico. Registration for the virtual public meetings and detailed information about the proposed wind energy project, including how to comment, can be found on BOEMs website. Established last year, the Task Force is a partnership between federal, state, and local agencies and Tribal governments tasked with coordinating renewable energy planning activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of Mexico. NEW ORLEANSIn response to the Presidents call to advance offshore wind development and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy, the Department of the Interior today announced next steps to bring the opportunity of offshore wind energy to the Gulf of Mexico. Proposed lease stipulations would prioritize workforce training, domestic supply chain development, fishery protection, and community engagement, Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 BOEM is seeking comments on considerations to be included in the draft EA. Washington, D.C. 20240 BOEM Leadership. The bureau promotes energy independence, environmental protection and economic development through responsible, science-based management of energy and mineral resources on the U.S. 242 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<10546F5856703F4C9058FB49E60AF3CC>]/Index[227 24]/Info 226 0 R/Length 78/Prev 76490/Root 228 0 R/Size 251/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream Phone: 202-208-6474BOEM Public Affairs, Seeks public comment on proposal that could power over 850,000 homes. The PSN will identify, among other things, the proposed areas to offer for lease in the WEAs, auction format, and qualified bidders so far. A map of the WEAs can be found on BOEMs website. U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. BOEM has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) covering the entire Call Area to consider the potential impacts from site characterization (e.g., marine mammal BOEM Finalizes Wind Energy Areas for Gulf of Mexico Gulf of Mexico Draft WEAs | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management The publication of the NOI in the Federal Register on Jun. Information about how to register for the public meetings, and instructions for how to submit questions and comments can be on BOEMs Gulf of Mexico Renewable Energy webpage. Mayer Brown and the Mayer Brown logo are trademarks of Mayer Brown. BOEM will continue to work with the coastal states and communities as we advance our work and do so in a manner that seeks to avoid or minimize conflicts with other ocean uses and marine life in the Gulf of Mexico.. BOEM held a wind energy lease salethe first-ever offered along Offshore wind in the US Gulf of Mexico: regional economic modeling and site-specific analyses. For more information on how to comment, see:https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/gulf-mexico-activities. The purpose of the meeting is to present information on the Proposed Sale Notice (PSN); additionally, this meeting aims to: To comment go to www.regulations.gov and search for docket number BOEM-2023-0021 on or before 11:59 pm ET on April 25, 2023. As part of the Biden-Harris administrations goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) It serves as a forum to discuss stakeholder issues, exchange data and information about ocean use and resources, and facilitate collaboration opportunities. Throughout the scoping process, multiple opportunities exist to help BOEM determine the important resources and issues, impact-producing factors, reasonable alternatives, and potential mitigating measures that should be analyzed in the EIS. BOEM is committed to ensuring any offshore wind activities are done in a manner that avoids or minimizes potential impacts to the ocean and ocean users, said Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Elizabeth Klein. The area totals 174,275 acres and has the potential to power over 740,000 homes. May 31 (Renewables Now) - The development of offshore wind leasing areas in the US Gulf of Mexico will have no significant impacts on the environmental resources, the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has ruled out. Washington, D.C. 20240 Stewarding Conservation and Powering Our Future, Toggle Dyslexia-friendly black-on-creme color scheme, Secretarial Schedules (July 2018-July2019), Secretary Haaland Highlights Clean Energy, Collaborative Conservation During Investing in America Tour Stops in New York and Vermont, Interior Department Launches Map to Track Historic Resources Funded by the Presidents Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Nationwide, Biden-Harris Administration Approves Third Major Offshore Wind Project in U.S. Due to feedback received during a Gulf of Mexico Renewable Energy Task Force meeting, BOEM extended the comment period to 45 days, which closed on September 2, 2022. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issues this request for interest (RFI) to assess interest in, and to invite public comment on, possible commercial Webassessing historic and architectural resources during the permitting phase of offshore wind projects. 20, 2023, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. BOEM Next, BOEM will issue a Proposed Sale Notice (PSN) for a 60-day comment period later this year or early next. FACT SHEET: Biden- - The White House Interior Department Proposes First-Ever Offshore Wind Sale in Dial-in phone number: 888 788 0099 (Toll Free) Some of these potential stipulations include: The PSN will publishin the Federal Register later this month and initiates a 60-day public comment period. The Task Force will provides critical information to the decision-making process. Americas clean energy transition is happening right here and now. BOEM directs that an Analysis of Visual Effects to Historic and Architectural Properties (AVEHAP) should be Josephson, E., Maze-Foley, K., Rosel, P.E., eds. Webassessing historic and architectural resources during the permitting phase of offshore wind projects. BOEM is holding its fourth Gulf of Mexico Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force meeting on April 11, 2023. These actions, which include proposing the first-ever Gulf of Mexico offshore wind lease sale, are advancing President Bidens clean energy and economic agenda to revitalize American manufacturing and harness American innovation to deliver reliable, affordable power to homes and businesses, while saving families money and strengthening energy security.Todays actionsalongside investments from President Bidens Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Lawwill spur offshore wind deployment beyond the East Coast, boost American leadership on floating offshore wind technologies, and create good-paying jobs for workers throughout the nation, by: President Biden has taken decisive action to jumpstart the American offshore wind industry, ushering in billions of dollars in investments since he took officeincluding $9.8 billion in new investments in 2022 alone, more than triple the previous year. Phone: 202-208-6474BOEM Public Affairs. BOEM's First Two Offshore Wind Areas in the Gulf of Mexico US BOEM Finalizes Offshore Wind Energy Areas in Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Mexico Activities | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (boem.gov). 1849 C Street, NW For more information on the final EA and FONSI, see: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/gulf-mexico-activities. 94 p. Report No. Wind Department of the Interior Announces Next Steps for Provide forum for discussion and information to ensure BOEM is informed about TF members' interests. The Department of the Interiors Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for Americas offshore energy and mineral resources. BOEM will accept comments from Nov. 16, 2022 through 11:59 pm ET on December 16, 2022. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is holding its third Gulf of Mexico Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force meeting on July 27, 2022. Provide an overview and feedback on the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider the potential impacts from issuance of offshore wind energy leases within 30-million-acres just west of the Mississippi River to the Texas/Mexican border, Provide forum for discussion and information to ensure BOEM is informed about TF members' interests, Mike Celata, Regional Director, BOEM Gulf of Mexico Region |, Eric Poncelet, Facilitator, Kearns & West, Overview of Draft GOM Renewable Energy EA, Overview of State Renewable Energy Goals (LA, TX), Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Other Task Force member updates, clarifying questions, and discussion, Tom Ortiz, Kelly Brooks, State of Texas |, Opportunity for public input on topics under Task Force discussion |, Summary of comments received on Call for Information, Opportunity for Task Force clarifying questions. BOEM Is preparing a draft EA on the call area now in order to be able to respond to future needs of the states and opportunities as technology develops for deeper waters and lower wind speeds. Provide an overview and seek in-depth feedback on the Proposed Sale Notice and related auction format. During the comment period, BOEM held two virtual public meetings where the public learned more about the environmental review process and had a chance to ask questions and provide comments on the draft EA. BOEM Please enable JavaScript to use this feature.