The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has finalized its designation of a 2 million acre offshore Gulf of Maine Wind Energy Area (WEA), which the bureau says has a 32 GW capacity. 

BOEM will publish a notice in the Federal Register tomorrow (Mar. 18) announcing its intent to prepare an environmental assessment of potential impacts from offshore wind leasing activities in the WEA which will initiate a 30-day public comment period. Another public comment period would occur if BOEM decides to move forward with a lease sale in the WEA.

Based on the feedback received about natural and cultural resources and current ocean uses, the WEA represents an 80% reduction from the area the bureau initially identified for possible leasing and a 43% reduction from the Draft WEA.  

“BOEM is committed to maintaining strong collaboration with the states of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire as we advance our efforts in the Gulf of Maine,” says Elizabeth Klein, BOEM director. “We remain dedicated to engaging with Tribal governments, federal and state agencies, ocean stakeholders, coastal communities, and all interested parties as we progress through our environmental review.”

BOEM will seek to avoid or minimize remaining ocean use and resource conflicts in subsequent phases of the leasing process and says it will continue to consult with all Tribal Nations, the fishing industry and other stakeholders who have an interest in the region.  

In October, BOEM held a public comment period on the Draft WEA and three secondary areas for further analysis. After reviewing feedback from stakeholders and the public, the bureau worked with NCCOS on a refined model to further reduce the size of, and conflicts within, the Draft WEA before identifying a Final WEA.