The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed Ocean Wind 1 wind energy project offshore New Jersey, opening a 45-day period for public comment.
BOEM’s DEIS for the proposed Ocean Wind 1 Offshore Wind Farm analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the proposed action described in Ocean Wind’s project plan for constructing and operating an offshore wind energy facility. This is the first DEIS published by the Biden administration for an offshore wind energy project.
The notice of availability for the DEIS was published in the Federal Register on 24 June, opening the public comment period, which ends on 8 August. During the comment period, BOEM will conduct three virtual public meetings and accept comments on the DEIS. The input received through this process will inform preparation of the Final EIS.
“BOEM remains committed to an environmental review process that establishes a strong foundation for offshore wind projects in the US while promoting ocean co-use and avoiding or reducing potential conflicts,” said BOEM Director Amanda Lefton. “The feedback provided by ocean users and our many stakeholders will help inform the Final EIS and provide invaluable insight to decision makers.”
Over the past year, the Biden administration and the Interior Department have launched the American offshore wind industry by approving the groundbreaking of the nation’s first two commercial-scale offshore wind projects in federal waters. Interior also announced plans to hold up to seven new offshore lease sales by 2025, including the record-breaking New York Bight auction and Carolina Long Bay auction held earlier this year. A statement from the BOEM said the bureau also expects to complete the review of at least 16 plans to construct and operate commercial, offshore wind energy facilities by 2025, which would represent more than 22 GW of clean energy.
Ocean Wind proposes to construct up to 98 wind turbines generators (WTGs) and up to three offshore substations within the lease area, 15 miles southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey, with export cables making landfall in Ocean County and Cape May County, New Jersey. If all 98 WTGs are approved for installation, the estimated capacity range will be between 1,215 and 1,440 MW, enough to power up to 504,000 homes per year.
During the comment period, BOEM will hold three virtual public meetings, where the public can learn more about the review process, the EIS schedule, potential impacts from the proposed project, and proposals to reduce potential impacts. There will also be an opportunity for participants to provide comments on the DEIS.
The public meetings will be held on the following dates and times. All times are Eastern:
- 13:00, 14 July
- 17:00, 20 July 20
- 17:00, 26 July
A virtual meeting room, information about how to register for the virtual meetings, and instructions for how to submit comments can be found here.
