New: BOEM Identified NY Bight Draft Wind Energy Areas of Recommendation

In the spring of 2018, BOEM published a Call for Information and Nominations from companies interested in commercial wind energy leases within four areas off the New York and New Jersey coasts. After reviewing the comments received in response to the Call for Information and Nominations, comments received during stakeholder meetings and general feedback, BOEM has delineated draft Wind Energy Areas in the New York Bight.

A Wind Energy Area is a portion of the Outer Continental Shelf identified by BOEM for an Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Traditionally, BOEM has identified a Wind Energy Area and then offered that entire area for sale as a Lease Area. However, the fact that an area is designated as a Wind Energy Area does not mean that it will necessarily be offered for sale. The proposed area for sale, or Lease Area, will be determined at the Proposed Sale Notice stage.

The Draft Wind Energy Areas are depicted in two colors, dark green and light green. The dark green areas are BOEM’s primary recommendations, areas that relative to others with in the Call Areas were determined to present the least amount of conflict with a potential offshore wind facility. Areas in light green are secondary recommendations, which are slightly more conflicted than the dark green areas, and are where BOEM welcomes additional stakeholder perspectives.

For more information on BOEM’s wind energy activities in the New York Bight, visit https://www.boem.gov/NY-Bight/.