The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is requesting public feedback regarding two potential wind energy zones on the Outer Continental Shelf of the Gulf of Mexico.
These efforts are aligned with President Joe Biden's request to expand offshore wind projects and expedite the shift toward a more sustainable energy economy, according to a July 20 Department of the Interior news release.
“President Biden has called on us to address the climate crisis and Interior is taking that challenge to heart. The promise of renewable energy is undeniable, as is the momentum for a clean energy transition,” Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said in the release.
The draft first wind energy area encompasses a 546,645-acre area located 24 nautical miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas, that has the potential to power 2.3 million homes with wind energy. The second draft wind energy area includes a 188,023-acre region located approximately 56 nautical miles off the coast of Lake Charles, La., with the potential to provide electricity to 799,003 homes, according to the release.
In addition, the draft wind energy areas have been cut down to minimize negative effects on fishing, military activities, protected marine and bird species and existing infrastructure. the release reported.
“BOEM used the most current scientific data to analyze 30 million acres in the call area to find the best spaces for wind energy development," BOEM Director Amanda Lefton said in the release. "We are invested in working in partnership with states and communities to find areas that avoid or minimize conflicts with other ocean uses and marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. We are committed to a transparent, inclusive and data-driven process that ensures all ocean users flourish in the Gulf.”
BOEM also solicited public feedback for this 30-million-acre zone after issuing a draft environmental assessment, according to a January BOEM news release. BOEM published a call for information and nominations in November 2021 for the same area.
Starting July 20, the public will have thirty days to provide feedback for the draft wind energy areas, according to the DOI release.
