The wind energy planning efforts are part of US President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to create American jobs, develop domestic clean energy sources and cut carbon pollution.
In order to obtain nominations from companies interested in commercial wind energy leases, the bureau is publishing a Call for Information and Nominations (Call) within a proposed area offshore New York, located 11nm off south of Long Beach, New York.
Additionally, BOEM is seeking public input on the potential for wind development in the Call Area which includes comments on site conditions, resources, and existing uses of the area which could be relevant to the wind energy development authorization process.
BOEM acting director Walter Cruickshank said that the Call marks an important step in planning for wind offshore New York.
"After the completion of the necessary environmental reviews, consideration of the existing uses of the area, and consideration of feedback from the New York Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force and the public, BOEM will decide whether to publish a Proposed Sale Notice to describe the area to be offered and the proposed terms and conditions of wind energy leases," Cruickshank added.
The proposed location contains 132 whole OCS blocks and 19 partial blocks.
Meanwhile, the BOEM also floated a request for information following receiving an unsolicited request from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) for a commercial wind energy lease.
In addition, BOEM is issuing a Notice of Intent (NOI) aimed to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA).
Image: US seeks offshore wind development in New York. Photo: courtesy of xedos4/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
