The Department of the Interior announced it will hold an offshore wind energy lease sale on October 29, 2024, for eight areas on the Outer Continental Shelf off Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. If fully developed, these areas have a potential capacity of approximately 13 gigawatts of clean offshore wind energy, which could power more than 4.5 million homes. This announcement follows the Department’s recent approval of more than 15 gigawatts of clean energy from offshore wind projects since the start of the Biden-Harris administration—equivalent to half of the capacity needed to achieve President Biden’s goal of 30 gigawatts by 2030.
Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, five offshore wind lease sales have been held, including a record-breaking sale offshore New York and sales in the Pacific, Central Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, ten commercial-scale offshore wind projects have been approved. Earlier this year, Secretary Haaland announced a schedule for potential additional lease sales through 2028.
“The growing enthusiasm for the clean energy future is infectious. Today’s announcement – which builds on the execution of the nation’s first floating offshore wind energy research lease in Maine last month – is the result of years of thoughtful coordination between our team, the Gulf of Maine states, industry and the Tribes and ocean users who share our interest in the health and longevity of our ocean,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “The Biden-Harris administration’s unwavering commitment to building a vibrant and sustainable offshore clean energy sector is strengthening our fight against climate crisis and building a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come.”
“The upcoming Gulf of Maine offshore wind energy auction reflects our all-of-government approach for reaching the Biden-Harris Administration’s energy goals while combating climate crisis,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein. “Together we can do our part to facilitate a new American industry while fostering job growth and promoting equitable economic opportunities for all communities.”
The President's Investing in America agenda aims to grow the American economy from rebuilding infrastructure to driving over half a trillion dollars in new private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States. It also focuses on creating good-paying jobs and building a clean energy economy that will combat climate crisis.
Today’s announcement is built upon extensive scientific research and over two years of engagement with Tribes, fishing interests, and stakeholders across the region. The information gained through this engagement was instrumental in determining final locations for eight lease areas.
The area included in Final Sale Notice (FSN) is approximately 120,000 acres less than what was initially proposed earlier this year by BOEM. The reduction prioritizes avoiding fishing grounds, sensitive habitats, and vessel transit routes while retaining sufficient acreage to support regional offshore wind goals.
The FSN includes details regarding auction provisions and conditions; information on bidding credits; criteria for evaluating competing bids; award procedures; appeal procedures; lease execution; stipulations designed to promote domestic supply chain development; create union jobs; advance transmission planning flexibility; minimize habitat impacts; collect data on protected marine mammals. The FSN will be published in Federal Register on September 17th.
Issuance resulting from this sale does not authorize construction or operations but provides rights to submit project-specific plans subject to environmental reviews before approval decisions are made.
Details on FSN along with map can be found at BOEM website.
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