BOEM invites you to attend the upcoming opportunities to exchange information regarding offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine.
In August 2022, the Department of the Interior announced a “Request for Interest” (RFI) to gauge whether there is commercial interest in obtaining wind energy leases within an area in the Gulf of Maine consisting of about 13.7 million acres.
BOEM reviewed the public input received in response to the RFI and worked collaboratively with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Center for Coastal and Ocean Science (NCCOS) to conduct a spatial analysis of the RFI area.
In response to public input and the spatial analysis, BOEM has decided to reduce the RFI area by about 27% to 9.9 million acres. A map of the reduced area can be found through this link: https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/images/GulfofMaine_draft_call_area_grey_01-04-23.png.
BOEM would like your feedback on the reduced RFI area, as well as input on the model being developed in partnership with NCCOS. 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/.
In-Person Opportunities (Eastern Time)*
BOEM will hold three in-person opportunities to hear from ocean users and other interested parties firsthand.
Massachusetts:
Tues., Jan. 17, 2023
4-7 p.m.
Salem State University
Veteran's Hall in the Ellison Campus Center (Directions)
352 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boem-offshore-wind-draft-call-area-engagement-meeting-massachusetts-tickets-482032511217
New Hampshire:
Wed., Jan. 18, 2023
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:
Thurs., Jan. 19, 2023
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 (Eastern Time):
BOEM will also hold virtual opportunities to hear from ocean users and other interested parties firsthand.
Shipping & 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
Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations:
Tues., Jan. 31, 2023
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Registration: https://cbuilding.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErfu-sqjMtHtDB068VqJnFhGE9tGkCQ0Dz
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Community Levels will be monitored for the counties in which the in-person meetings take place. If the COVID-19 Community Level is ‘MEDIUM’ or ‘HIGH”, BOEM may decide to cancel in-person meetings and replace one or more meetings with a virtual meeting. The same approach applies for any winter weather advisories that may present obstacles to travel for in-person meetings. Please check this website 24 hours prior to any of the in-person meetings to confirm status.
-- BOEM --
The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for America’s offshore energy and mineral resources. The bureau promotes energy independence, environmental protection and economic development through responsible, science-based management of energy and mineral resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.