Gulf of Maine Commercial Wind Lease Issuance, Site Characterization Activities, and Site Assessment Activities

Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Assessment for Commercial Wind Lease Issuance, Site Characterization Activities, and Site Assessment Activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Maine Offshore the States of Maine and New Hampshire and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

BOEM has published a final Environmental Assessment and FONSI for commercial wind energy lease issuance, site characterization activities, and site assessment activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Maine, offshore Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. The EA analyzes two alternatives: the Proposed Action (issuing leases and granting rights-of-way and rights-of-use and easement) and No Action. BOEM finds that issuing commercial wind energy leases and granting ROWs and RUEs in the Gulf of Maine wind energy area would not significantly impact the human environment. The final EA is available on BOEM's website.

Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment for Commercial Wind Lease Issuance, Site Characterization Activities, and Site Assessment Activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Maine offshore the States of Maine and New Hampshire and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

BOEM published a Notice of Availability for a draft Environmental Assessment analyzing the potential issuance of commercial wind energy leases in the Gulf of Maine offshore Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. The EA covers site characterization activities (biological, archaeological, geological, and geophysical surveys and core samples) and site assessment activities (meteorological buoy installation) expected after lease issuance. It does not analyze construction or operation of wind facilities. Two alternatives are evaluated: the proposed action and no action, with possible area exclusions also noted. The public comment period closes July 22, 2024, with virtual meetings on July 8 and July 10.