The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) proposes to issue commercial leases within identified wind energy areas (WEAs) and granting rights-of-way and rights-of-use and easements in the region of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) in the Gulf of Maine. BOEM’s issuance of these leases and grants is needed to (1) confer the exclusive right to submit plans to BOEM for potential development, such that the lessees and grantees develop plans for BOEM’s review and will commit to site characterization and site assessment activities necessary to determine the suitability of their leases and grants for commercial offshore wind production and/or transmission; and (2) impose terms and conditions intended to ensure that site characterization and assessment activities are conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The issuance of a lease by BOEM to the lessee conveys no right to proceed with development of a wind energy facility; the lessee acquires only the exclusive right to submit a plan to conduct this activity. This action is subject to review for consistency with the enforceable policies of Maine Coastal Program under 15 CFR 930, subpart C. Public comments will be accepted through July 16, 2024 and can be sent to DMRCoastalProgram_FC@maine.gov. More information about the project can be found here:
United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's Consistency Determination document
United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Commercial Wind Lease Issuance and Site Assessment Activities Draft Environmental Assessment