The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the opening of a public comment period for two draft Clean Air Act Title V Outer Continental Shelf air quality operating permits. These permits pertain to the New England Wind 1 and New England Wind 2 offshore wind farm projects.

The draft permits outline requirements under the Clean Air Act that control pollutants from sources during the Operations & Maintenance phase, including vessels used for turbine repairs. The permits include specific monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting obligations to ensure compliance with emission limits. They are valid for five years from issuance, with renewal applications required at least six months before expiration.

Public comments on these draft permits will be accepted from December 2, 2024, to January 16, 2025. Comments can be submitted through https://www.regulations.gov using Docket ID #EPA-R01-OAR-2024-0465 for New England Wind 1 and #EPA-R01-OAR-2024-0466 for New England Wind 2.

The EPA will review all significant feedback before finalizing the permits. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for January 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. EST via Zoom.gov. Registration details are available on EPA's website.

For accommodations or translation needs at the hearing, contact Patrick Collins by January 2, 2024. The session will conclude when all participants have spoken or by 8:00 p.m., whichever comes first.

Further information on the draft permits and hearing is accessible on EPA's website at https://www.epa.gov/caa-permitting/caa-public-comment-opportunities-region-1.