The US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will publish a Request for Interest (RFI) in the Federal Register on 11 June to assess interest in potential offshore wind development in the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf.
The RFI will be focused on the Western and Central Planning areas of the Gulf, off the coasts of the states of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama.
BOEM said that, while the primary focus is on wind energy development, it is also seeking information on other renewable energy technologies.
Once published the RFI will open a 45-day public comment period to solicit indications of competitive interest and additional information on potential environmental consequences and other uses of the proposed area.
BOEM said it will consider data received to determine next steps in the renewable energy leasing process in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Bureau will also convene the Gulf of Mexico Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force to help coordinate planning, solicit feedback, and exchange scientific and process information.
The task force, which will hold its first meeting on 15 June, comprises members representing federal, Tribal, state and local governments from Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama.
Interior Department Secretary Deb Haaland said: “The Interior Department is committed to developing a robust and sustainable clean energy economy.
“We know that offshore wind development has the potential to create tens of thousands of good-paying, union jobs across the nation.
“This is an important first step to see what role the Gulf may play in this exciting frontier.”
BOEM director Amanda Lefton said: “The Biden-Harris administration has energised the offshore wind industry by announcing the first ever national offshore wind energy goal, creating a roadmap for the future of this innovative industry.
“I’m excited to see the Gulf be a potential part of this historic effort.”
BOEM Gulf of Mexico office regional director Mike Celata said: “The Gulf of Mexico has decades of offshore energy development expertise. Today’s announcement represents the first step in harnessing that expertise and applying it to the renewable energy sector.
“Working directly with our partners in the Gulf, we will make sure that offshore renewable energy development proceeds in an orderly, safe, and environmentally responsible manner.”