Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has announced the finalization of updated regulations for renewable energy development on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) have collaborated to streamline and modernize regulations, with the aim of reducing costs and increasing certainty for offshore wind projects.
Secretary Haaland, speaking at the 2024 International Partnering Forum, expressed her pride in the Interior Department's efforts, stating, "I am so proud of the work that the Interior Department is doing to pursue a clean energy future as we build an offshore wind industry from the ground up. As the industry grows and innovates, our regulatory structures must keep pace."
BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein highlighted the significance of the final rule, emphasizing that it incorporates lessons learned over the past 15 years to ensure safe and environmentally sound offshore renewable energy development. Klein stated, "This final rule incorporates lessons learned since we first published the offshore renewable energy regulations almost 15 years ago. It will reduce costs and unnecessary burdens to industry, while ensuring that offshore renewable energy development is done in a safe and environmentally sound manner."
Similarly, BSEE Director Kevin Sligh underscored the importance of clean energy production while prioritizing safety and environmental protection. Sligh stated, “Ensuring clean energy for America while keeping the environment and offshore workers safe is the primary objective of the new rule. BSEE aims to establish clear regulations that safeguard all forms of life and the oceans."
The final rule includes various provisions such as eliminating unnecessary requirements, increasing survey flexibility, improving certification processes, and establishing a public offshore wind leasing schedule. This regulatory update is expected to result in significant cost savings for the offshore wind industry, fostering further investment in clean energy projects and benefiting consumers.
The Interior Department's commitment to a clean energy future has already seen the approval of several commercial-scale offshore wind projects, with plans for additional lease sales through 2028. The efforts aim to support job creation, domestic supply chain development, and engagement with various stakeholders, including Tribes, underserved communities, and ocean users.
The final rule signifies a milestone in the Biden-Harris administration's agenda to boost the American economy through sustainable energy initiatives, reinforcing the nation's position in the global clean energy transition.
