Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior, under the Biden-Harris administration, has unveiled plans for offshore wind energy auctions off the coast of Oregon and in the Gulf of Maine. These proposals, announced by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), have the potential to generate over 18 gigawatts of offshore wind energy, enough to power more than six million homes.
Secretary Deb Haaland expressed the administration's commitment to green energy, job creation, and community resilience, stating, "Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, the Department of the Interior has approved the nation's first eight commercial-scale offshore wind energy projects." Haaland emphasized the importance of building a sustainable energy future while supporting families.
BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein highlighted the agency's dedication to collaboration in the offshore wind energy projects, saying, "As we move forward with offshore wind energy in Oregon and the Gulf of Maine, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management remains dedicated to close collaboration with our government partners and key stakeholders."
The proposed sales in the Gulf of Maine and Oregon have undergone a thorough planning process, including engagement with various stakeholders to balance social, ecological, and economic factors. BOEM's strategic partnership with NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science has ensured the incorporation of the best available ocean resource information to inform wind energy areas.
In the Gulf of Maine, the proposed offshore wind auction includes eight lease areas with the potential to generate approximately 15 GW of clean, renewable energy. BOEM is seeking feedback on various aspects of the proposed lease areas and potential lease stipulations to support workforce training programs and fisheries compensatory mitigation funds.
Similarly, the proposed lease sale in Oregon comprises two lease areas with the potential to power more than one million homes with clean renewable energy. BOEM is seeking feedback on proposed lease stipulations to create good-paying union jobs and engage with Tribal governments, the fishing industry, and affected communities.
The Biden-Harris administration's efforts to catalyze the offshore wind industry have included approving commercial-scale projects and holding offshore wind lease auctions in various regions. The Department has also announced a new five-year offshore wind lease schedule and finalized updated regulations to streamline processes and reduce costs associated with offshore wind projects.
