The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released its final Environmental Assessment (EA), evaluating the potential impacts of issuing leases for offshore wind development off the coasts of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The assessment includes activities such as geophysical, geological, and archaeological surveys. According to the EA, issuing these leases is not expected to cause significant impacts.

BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein emphasized the agency's dedication to responsibly advancing the clean energy transition in the Central Atlantic region. She noted that BOEM plans to maintain close collaboration with Tribes, government partners, ocean users, and the public to ensure that any development in the area minimizes or mitigates potential impacts on the marine environment.

Background

On December 11, 2023, the Department of the Interior announced a proposed offshore wind lease sale for two Wind Energy Areas in the Central Atlantic: one off the coasts of Delaware and Maryland, and another off Virginia.

In January 2024, BOEM published its draft EA, assessing the potential impacts of site assessment and characterization activities related to issuing wind energy leases in the Central Atlantic. The public comment period for the draft EA concluded on February 12, 2024.

The Department of the Interior has approved the first eight commercial-scale offshore wind energy projects in the nation. BOEM has conducted four offshore wind lease auctions, including sales offshore New York, New Jersey, and the Carolinas, as well as the first-ever sales offshore the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coasts.

Further plans

The agency is also exploring further offshore wind energy opportunities, including in the Gulf of Maine and additional areas off the Central Atlantic coast.

BOEM plans to conduct a lease sale in the Central Atlantic later this year. A final sale notice (FSN) will be issued at least 30 days before the sale, providing details on the time, date, and qualified participants. For any proposed offshore wind projects, BOEM will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the specific impacts before deciding whether to approve the construction and operations plans. The EISs will be developed in consultation with Tribes, relevant government agencies, and informed by feedback from stakeholders, ocean users, and the public.

The Department continues to refine its approach to offshore wind, aiming for union-built projects and a domestic supply chain.