The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking public input on the identification of two potential wind energy areas (WEAs) in the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf.
The first draft WEA is located approximately 24 nautical miles (nm) off the coast of Galveston, Texas.
The area for review totals 546,645 acres.
The second draft WEA is located approximately 56 nm off the coast of Lake Charles, Louisiana.
The area for review totals 188,023 acres.
The two draft WEAs represent a subset of the original 30 million acre Gulf of Mexico Call Area that the Department of the Interior announced for public comment in October 2021.
The draft WEAs were reduced to avoid potential impacts on other ocean uses and resources, such as commercial and recreational fishing, maritime navigation, military activities, marine protected species, avian species and existing infrastructure.
Public comments on the draft WEAs will be accepted for 30 days beginning 20 July 2022.
In addition to the draft WEAs, BOEM has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) covering the entire call area to consider the potential impacts from site characterisation, such as marine mammal surveys and site assessment, such as installation of meteorological buoys.
These types of activities are expected to take place following lease issuance.
The EA analysis will inform potential lease stipulations necessary to address identified environmental impacts associated with offshore wind leasing activities.
Public comments on the draft EA will also be accepted for 30 days beginning 20 July 2022.
BOEM director Amanda Lefton (pictured) said: “BOEM used the most current scientific data to analyse 30 million acres in the Call Area to find the best spaces for wind energy development.
“We are invested in working in partnership with states and communities to find areas that avoid or minimise conflicts with other ocean uses and marine life in the Gulf of Mexico.
“We are committed to a transparent, inclusive and data-driven process that ensures all ocean users flourish in the Gulf.”
By 2025, the Interior Department plans to potentially hold up to five additional offshore lease sales and complete the review of at least 16 plans to construct and operate commercial, offshore wind energy facilities, which would represent more than 22GW.