BOEMRE to Hold Information Sessions in Rhode Island and Massachusetts on Offshore Wind Leasing Process

WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) announced today that it is holding public information sessions about the commercial wind leasing process on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts. BOEMRE is also gathering input from the public, state, local and tribal leaders, and the fishing industry on environmental issues related to offshore wind energy development. 

“We are engaging the public on these important issues as we plan for renewable energy leasing offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts,” said BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich. “It’s important that we hear from stakeholders who will be affected by offshore wind development to ensure that we do it in the right way and in the right places. We are determined to make sure that relevant interests and concerns are appropriately considered early in the planning process.” 

BOEMRE officials are conducting information sessions to explain the commercial leasing process and provide the public with additional opportunities to provide input on important environmental, socioeconomic issues and alternatives to be considered in the Environmental Assessment (EA). These sessions will be held on September 19, 20 and 21 in Narragansett, Rhode Island; and New Bedford and Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, respectively; logistical details are listed below: 

•  Monday, September 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m.: University of Rhode Island Bay Campus,
215 South Ferry Road, Coreless Auditorium
Narragansett, Rhode Island 

•  Tuesday, September 20, 6:00-8:00 p.m.: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park,
33 William Street, Corson Maritime Learning Center Theater
New Bedford, Massachusetts 

•  Wednesday, September 21, 5:00-7:00 p.m.: Katharine Cornell Theatre
54 Spring Street
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts 

BOEMRE will coordinate the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 review along with the EA preparation. Additional information is available at:  http://www.boemre.gov/offshore/RenewableEnergy.

Contact: BOEMRE Public Affairs