What's New?
The Department of the Interior and BOEM are implementing President Trump’s memorandum temporarily halting offshore wind leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf. The memorandum also pauses new or renewed approvals, rights-of-way, permits, leases, or loans for offshore wind projects pending a review of federal wind leasing and permitting practices.
Efforts Underway
There following renewable energy efforts are underway offshore Rhode Island:
- SouthCoast Wind
- Commercial Wind Lease for the Wind Energy Area Offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts
- sea2shore: The Renewable Link (formerly Block Island Transmission System)
Public Engagement
BOEM has coordinated Outer Continental Shelf renewable energy activities offshore Rhode Island with its federal, state, local, and tribal government partners through its Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force. BOEM has also coordinated public information meetings to help keep interested stakeholders updated on major renewable energy milestones. To obtain information discussed during these meetings click on the links below.
- Joint Rhode Island/Massachusetts Renewable Energy Task Force Webinar (April 24, 2018)
- Joint Rhode Island/Massachusetts Renewable Energy Task Force Meeting (May 16, 2017)
- Public Information Meeting on Rhode Island-Massachusetts Proposed Sale Notice (January 15, 2013)
- Public Information Meetings (September 19-21, 2012)
- Joint Rhode Island and Massachusetts Task Force Meeting (August 8, 2012)
- Public Information Meetings on Rhode Island/Massachusetts EA (July 16-17, 2012)
- Task Force Meeting (March 1, 2012 Teleconference)
- Public Information Meeting in Narragansett (June 9, 2011)
- Joint Rhode Island and Massachusetts Renewable Energy Task Force (June 3,2011 Teleconference)
- Public Information Sessions in Narragansett (May 3, 2011)
- Joint Rhode Island and Massachusetts Renewable Energy Task Force Meeting (May 2, 2011)
- Public Information Session in Narragansett (March 15, 2011)
- Joint Rhode Island and Massachusetts Renewable Energy Task Force Meeting (December 10, 2010)
- Rhode Island Renewable Energy Task Force Meeting (November 17, 2009)
Environmental Studies
BOEM has funded or considered numerous studies to collect information about the marine environment to support decisions concerning offshore renewable energy development. For more information, please visit: http://www.boem.gov/Rhode-Island-Environmental-Studies/
Related Press Releases
- Biden-Harris Administration Approves Eleventh Offshore Wind Project in U.S. History (12/20/2024)
- BOEM Completes Environmental Review for Proposed Wind Energy Project Offshore Massachusetts and Rhode Island (11/08/2024)
- Biden-Harris Administration Approves Seventh Offshore Wind Project (03/26/2024)
- BOEM Completes Environmental Analysis for Proposed Wind Project Offshore Rhode Island (07/17/2023)
- BOEM Advances Review for Two Proposed Wind Projects Off Atlantic Coast (12/12/2022)
- BOEM Seeks Public Comment on Draft Environmental Analysis for Proposed Wind Energy Project Offshore Rhode Island (8/29/2022)
- BOEM Announces Environmental Review of Wind Energy Project Proposed for Offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts (6/28/2021)
- BOEM Announces Environmental Review of Proposed Wind Energy Facility Offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts (4/29/2021)
- BOEM and MassCEC Release Marine Wildlife Survey Results to Guide Offshore Wind Development (10/25/2016)
- Secretary Jewell, Director Hopper Laud Construction of Nation’s First Offshore Wind Farm (7/27/2015)
- Interior Offers First Right-of-Way for Renewable Energy Transmission in Federal Waters (11/17/2014)
- Interior Holds First-Ever Competitive Lease Sale for Renewable Energy in Federal Waters (7/31/2013)
- Interior Announces First Offshore Renewable Energy Lease Sale (6/4/2013)
- Interior Announces First-Ever Renewable Energy Lease Sales on the Outer Continental Shelf (11/30/2012)
- Proposed Rhode Island Offshore Wind Energy Transmission Line Takes Next Step (8/7/2012)
- Salazar Announces Onshore, Offshore Wind Energy Milestones (7/2/2012)
- BOEM Seeks to Gauge Industry Interest in Proposed Rhode Island Wind Energy Transmission System (5/22/2012)
- BOEM Identifies Wind Energy Area Offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts (2/24/012)
- Interior Launches Leasing Process for Commercial Wind Energy Offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts (8/17/2011)
- Salazar Launches 'Smart from the Start' Initiative to Speed Offshore Wind Energy Development off the Atlantic Coast (11/23/2010)