The US Business Network for Offshore Wind has welcomed the decision to split regulatory oversight governing offshore wind development between the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).
The network said the rule provides clarity and transparency for the offshore wind industry, ensuring a safety-first mindset and streamlined growth.
BSEE has been assigned responsibility to evaluate and oversee wind project installation and safety management systems, enforce operational inspections, and compliance.
Meanwhile, BOEM will maintain responsibility for determining offshore wind lease areas (WEAs), issuing leases, and reviewing and approving construction and operation plans.
Business Network for Offshore Wind founder and chief executive Liz Burdock (pictured) said: “Today’s announcement establishes a reliable regulatory framework that the industry can plan around at a critical juncture for US offshore wind.
“It is vital that as the industry grows, we adopt standards to ensure worker safety, regulatory certainty, and a clear set of guidelines for projects to follow throughout the country.
“2023 is shaping up to be the year when we shift from demonstration to commercialisation, and the proposed regulatory oversight sharing between BOEM and BSEE will provide safety for workers as projects continue moving forward.”