Mercer Times

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has finalized an environmental review concerning potential wind development in six lease areas offshore New York and New Jersey. This initiative supports the Biden-Harris administration's goal to deploy 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030. The reviewed area, known as the New York Bight, covers over 488,000 acres.

According to BOEM estimates, the full development of these lease areas could generate up to 7 GW of offshore wind energy, potentially powering two million homes. "BOEM has collected input from Tribes, Federal and state government agencies, local communities, ocean users, and key stakeholders as part of our comprehensive environmental review," said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein. She added that the feedback received will aid in providing a solid baseline for future environmental reviews related to proposed offshore wind projects in the region.

In February 2022, BOEM conducted an auction for these lease areas in the New York Bight. The auction generated over $4.3 billion for the rights to develop these areas—a record sum for any U.S. offshore renewable or conventional energy lease sale.