Published on April 27, 2023 by Dave Kovaleski
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.................
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https://dailyenergyinsider.com/news/39504-boem-seeking-public-comme...
Public Engagement
BOEM aims to address and better understand any concerns from the public and encourages input and feedback to help inform its decision-making. Throughout the Gulf of Maine planning process for possible commercial leasing, there will be more opportunities for public input.
BOEM will host its third Gulf of Maine Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force meeting May 10-11, 2023, in Bangor, Maine.
The purpose of the meeting is to update Task Force members and the public on BOEM’s commercial and research offshore wind energy planning activities and to discuss next steps for the Gulf of Maine.
The public is encouraged to attend this meeting.
Additional information can be found on BOEM's webpage: https://www.boem.gov/Gulf-of-Maine/
https://www.boem.gov/newsroom/press-releases/boem-advances-offshore...
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will host its third Gulf of Maine Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force meeting May 10-11, 2023, in Bangor, Maine.
The purpose of the meeting is to update task force members and the public on BOEM’s commercial and research offshore wind energy planning activities and to discuss next steps for the Gulf of Maine, including a Call for Information and Nominations.
Established in 2019, this task force is composed of Federal, Tribal, state, and local government officials. It is tasked with facilitating the coordination of renewable energy planning activities on the Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Maine. It serves as a forum to discuss potential issues and concerns, as well as exchange data and information about ocean resources and uses.
The public is encouraged to attend this meeting where there will be opportunity for public comment on both days. Additional information about the meeting will be available on BOEM's Gulf of Maine web page: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/maine/gulf-m....
To sign up for BOEM’s mailing list, visit www.boem.gov/subscribe.
-- BOEM --
The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for America’s offshore energy and mineral resources. The bureau promotes energy independence, environmental protection and economic development through responsible, science-based management of energy and mineral resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
https://www.boem.gov/newsroom/notes-stakeholders/youre-invited-gulf...
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