Biden Opens Path to Offshore Wind Farms in Gulf of Mexico

摘要

The Biden administration is taking a significant step toward possible offshore wind farms and other renewable energy projects in the Gulf of Mexico.1. In a notice to be published in the Federal Register on Friday, the Interior Dept’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is asking developers to signal their interest in leasing tracts forwind development among some 29 million acres of the the western and central planning areas of the Gulf of Mexico2. Feedback collected over a 45-day public comment period will guide the agency’s decisions on next steps for renewable energy leasing alongside oil exploration development in the Gulfof Mexico3. Although focused on offshore wind, the request seeks comment on other forms of renewable energy development too4. Request allows bureau to determine whether there is competitive interest in wind leases, setting the stage for potential lease sales or noncompetitive lease awards5. NOTE: Effort comes as the Biden administration seeks to ramp up offshore wind development and go beyond U.S. East Coast.