The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has completed its environmental assessment (EA) for potential offshore wind energy development off the Oregon coast.
The EA, which includes site assessment and site characterisation activities, concluded that issuing leases would not significantly impact people or the environment.
Since the Biden-Harris administration began, the Department of the Interior has approved the first nine commercial-scale offshore wind energy projects in the US.
BOEM has conducted four offshore wind lease auctions, including the first-ever sales off the country's Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coasts.
It is also exploring further offshore wind energy development opportunities, including in the Gulf of Maine and offshore US territories, and is committed to fostering union-built projects and a domestic-based supply chain for offshore wind.
On 30 April 2024, the department announced a proposed offshore wind lease sale for two wind energy areas in Oregon, with the sale expected later in 2024.
A final sale notice will be published at least 30 days before the sale, providing details to qualified participants.
Issued leases will grant the right to submit a project plan for BOEM's review but will not authorise the construction or operations of an offshore wind facility.
For any future projects, BOEM will develop an environmental impact statement (EIS) to examine particular impacts and consult with tribes, government agencies, stakeholders, ocean users and the public.
In May 2024, BOEM published its draft EA, opening it for public comment until 14 June.
The Oregon intergovernmental renewable energy task force will continue to coordinate on potential leasing and support stakeholder engagement in offshore wind considerations.
BOEM director Elizabeth Klein stated: “BOEM relies on the best available science and information for our decision-making regarding offshore wind activities.
“Working with Tribes, government partners, ocean users and the public, we gathered a wealth of data, diverse perspectives and valuable insights that shaped our environmental analysis.
“We remain committed to continuing this close coordination to ensure potential offshore wind energy leasing and any future development in Oregon is done in a way that avoids, reduces or mitigates potential impacts to ocean users and the marine environment.”
