The Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management today announced that it is seeking interest and public comments by Monday, Oct. 3 on potential commercial wind energy leasing in ~13.7 million acres of federal waters in the Gulf of Maine off Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Information obtained during the comment period will inform BOEM’s decision on whether to schedule a competitive lease sale or issue a noncompetitive lease in the Gulf of Maine.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland called the announcement “one of the many milestones that this Administration has achieved to advance offshore wind development, create good-paying jobs, and lower consumer energy costs, while collaborating with our government partners, Tribes and key stakeholders to protect biodiversity, advance environmental justice and safeguard other ocean uses.”
BOEM Director Amanda Lefton said that her agency “recognizes the rich cultural heritage and ecological importance of the Gulf of Maine region, which is why we are using the best available science and traditional knowledge from ocean users and other stakeholders in our planning and leasing process,” adding that BOEM is “committed to a transparent, inclusive and data-driven process that avoids or minimizes potential conflicts with marine life and ensures all ocean users flourish.”
