BOEM finalises environmental review for Maine offshore wind leasing

BOEM found that leasing, site assessment and characterisation activities will not have a significant impact on the environment.

The assessment was conducted in support of the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030 and 15 GW of floating offshore wind by 2035.

The final assessment evaluated the potential of commercial wind energy leases off the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. It considered the potential environmental impacts associated with activity such as surveys and installing met buoys, but not the installation of wind turbines, which would be assessed in a separate environmental review if a leaseholder submits a project proposal. 

BOEM director Liz Klein said, “BOEM is actively assessing proposed offshore wind activities in the Gulf of Maine by collaborating with Tribes, state and federal agencies, ocean users, local communities and other stakeholders.

“We are committed to ensuring that future offshore wind development proceeds in a manner that reduces potential impacts on other ocean activities and the surrounding ecosystem.”

On 30 April 2024, the Department of the Interior announced a proposed offshore wind energy lease sale in the Gulf of Maine, which would include eight potential leasing areas within the WEA.

The eight areas total nearly 1M acres and have the potential to generate approximately 15 GW of renewable energy.

On 15 March 2024, the Department announced that BOEM would prepare an assessment on potential impacts from offshore wind energy leasing in the Gulf of Maine.

BOEM held an open comment period on the draft assessment between 21 June and 22 July 2024, to receive and consider input.