Located off the coast of Rhode Island & Massachusetts and Virginia the two leases are the first competitive sales on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to be let out for the development of renewable energy.
Commenting on the decision Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar remarked that there is a great potential for wind energy along the Atlantic coast that will provide greater energy security for the country.
"We are implementing the President’s all-of-the-above strategy by focusing on developing areas with the lowest potential conflicts and the greatest expected gains.
"As we experience record domestic oil and gas development, we are moving forward at the same time with efforts to ensure that America continues to lead the world at developing the energy of the future," Salazar added.
Deputy Secretary Hayes stated, "By working closely with Rhode Island and the other states to identify the best areas for offshore wind farms, winning bidders will have a clear pathway to successfully harness our world-class offshore wind resource."
The proposed areas are expected to support over 4,000 MW of installations for the generation of wind energy.
