Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
In a significant move to bolster clean energy initiatives, the Biden-Harris administration has announced an offshore wind energy lease sale off southern Oregon. The Department of the Interior revealed that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will auction two areas on October 15, 2024. These areas have the potential to generate over 3.1 gigawatts of renewable energy, enough to power approximately one million homes.
"Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, the Interior Department has worked diligently to support the undeniable enthusiasm for a clean energy transition that will help address the climate crisis and create good-paying, family-sustaining jobs in every corner of America," said Secretary Deb Haaland. She emphasized that this marks years of collaboration with state partners, Tribes, ocean users, and industry stakeholders.
BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein noted the collaborative efforts behind this announcement: "Today’s announcement reflects the tireless work of so many people throughout Oregon and Pacific Northwest." She added that this initiative aims to combine clean energy advancements with economic opportunities.
This lease sale is part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, which focuses on rebuilding infrastructure, stimulating private sector investments in manufacturing and clean energy, and creating well-paying jobs. Under this administration, nine commercial-scale offshore wind projects have been approved nationwide, along with five offshore wind lease sales. The Department has also advanced plans for additional Wind Energy Areas in regions like the Gulf of Maine.
The Final Sale Notice (FSN), set to be published in the Federal Register on September 3, 2024, outlines specific details about the leases. Lease Area P-OCS 0566 (Coos Bay) covers 61,203 acres approximately 32 miles from shore; Lease Area P-OCS 0567 (Brookings) spans 133,792 acres around 18 miles from shore.
The FSN includes stipulations aimed at promoting a domestic supply chain for floating wind technology and advancing transmission planning flexibility. Bidders can receive credits for entering community benefit agreements or investing in workforce training or supply chain development. Winning bidders are also encouraged to engage with local communities and enter into project labor agreements.
However, any lease issued from this sale does not equate to an automatic approval for developing offshore wind projects. Such proposals would undergo further environmental and technical reviews before receiving authorization.
BOEM will continue its coordination through the Oregon Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force involving federal, state, local agencies and Tribal governments. This ongoing engagement aims to develop strategic roadmaps for offshore wind projects.
Further details about the FSN and maps of Lease Areas are available on BOEM’s website.
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