BIG STEP FOR OCEAN WIND

Interior Takes Next Step toward Holding First-Ever Lease Sales for Commercial Wind in the Mid-Atlantic; BOEMRE Analyzing Proposed Wind Energy Areas Offshore NJ, DE, MD, and VA
July 11, 2011 (U.S. Department of the Interior)

"As part of Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar’s “Smart from the Start” initiative for Atlantic offshore wind development, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE)…is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) that considers potential environmental and socioeconomic effects of issuing renewable energy leases in designated Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) offshore New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia…

"The draft EA also considers potential environmental impacts associated with site assessment activities such as the installation and operation of meteorological towers and buoys on leases that may be issued in these areas."

(from DOI - click to enlarge)

"This draft EA is part of the “Smart from the Start” initiative being led by Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes and Director Bromwich to facilitate efficient and environmentally-responsible development of renewable energy resources on the Atlantic OCS [outer continental shelf]…Any leases ultimately issued will not authorize construction or operations; instead, specific proposed projects will be the subject of subsequent environmental review and analysis…

"BOEMRE identified the WEAs offshore of the mid-Atlantic states in consultation with other federal agencies and BOEMRE’s state renewable energy task forces…BOEMRE considered the public comments in drafting the alternatives and assessing potential environmental impacts…"