The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is holding a series of in-person and online public sessions on its planning for potential offshore wind energy development in the Gulf of Maine from Jan. 17 through Jan. 30.
In August 2022 the U.S. Department of Interior announced a “request for interest” from wind energy developers in potentially offering 13.7 million acres in the gulf for energy leasing. In response to public input after that announcement, BOEM has worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Center for Coastal and Ocean Science (NCCOS) to conduct a spatial analysis of the RFI area.
That process has led BOEM to reduce the RFI area by about 27 percent to 9.9 million acres.
“BOEM would like your feedback on the reduced RFI area, as well as input on the model being developed in partnership with NCCOS,” according to a BOEM announcement Jan. 10. “This model will be used in the next phase of the planning process to aid in the identification of offshore areas that are the most suitable for commercial wind energy activities, while minimizing potential conflicts with marine life and all ocean users.
"More information can be found on BOEM's webpage: https://www.boem.gov/Gulf-of-Maine/.”
The agency will hold three in-person opportunities to hear from ocean users, fishermen, mariners and other interested parties firsthand.
Massachusetts:
4-7 p.m.
Salem State University
Veteran's Hall in the Ellison Campus Center (Directions)
352 Lafayette Street
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boem-offshore-wind-draft-call-area-engagement-meeting-massachusetts-tickets-482032511217
New Hampshire:
5-8 p.m.
NHDES Portsmouth Regional Office
Pease International Tradeport 222
International Drive, Suite 175
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boem-offshore-wind-draft-call-area-engagement-meeting-new-hampshire-tickets-488067231227
Maine:
5-8 p.m.
Holiday Inn, Portland-by the Bay
88 Spring Street
Portland, ME 04101
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boem-offshore-wind-draft-call-area-engagement-meeting-maine-tickets-488070781847
Virtual Opportunities (all Eastern Time):
BOEM will also hold virtual opportunities to hear from ocean users and other interested parties firsthand.
Shipping and Commercial Maritime Industry
Wed., Jan. 25, 2023
2-4 p.m.
Registration: https://cbuilding.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclceGvpzkiGNIMkQdnf2aNdo8mUjnHdq2Q
Maine Fisheries (Fixed Gear Focus)
Fri., Jan. 27, 2023
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Registration: https://cbuilding.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwoc-ihrTwiGd2t753tP-tPyxWrvatXFDOZ
Mobile Gear (e.g., scallop, groundfish)
Mon., Jan. 30, 2023
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Registration: https://cbuilding.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpf-iurzMqGt2gZRiWhKv8tGI2pf89NlNR
Recreational and Highly Migratory Species
Mon., Jan. 30, 2023
2-4 p.m.
Registration: https://cbuilding.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lf-upqz8uH9Sx-VGY4pvyl2TYG7m_l9Xd
Fixed Gear (Massachusetts/New Hampshire Focus)
Tues., Jan. 31, 2023
5-7 p.m.
Registration: https://cbuilding.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUscemvqj4qEtGRCotiVvU8ZX3Ra_1cHANe
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Registration: https://cbuilding.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErfu-sqjMtHtDB068VqJnFhGE9tGkCQ0Dz
