1. Offshore wind development area in New England
2. New England’s offshore wind development cheers and questions.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Federal Government Designates New England Zone for Offshore Wind Production Development

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The federal government announced on Friday the designation of a significant area off the New England coast for offshore wind production development. This move paves the way for a potential lease sale within the Gulf of Maine, a region identified as crucial for the growth of wind power by renewable energy advocates.

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management stated that the New England zone was chosen to avoid important areas for lobster fishing, North Atlantic right whale habitat, and other significant fishing areas and habitats. This decision was applauded by Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills and three Maine lawmakers — Republican Sen. Susan Collins, independent Sen. Angus King, and Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree, who issued a joint statement emphasising the preservation of vital fishing grounds and the minimization of potential environmental and ecological impacts to the Gulf of Maine.

Environmental groups welcomed the announcement, especially following the recent opening of the country’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm off Montauk Point, New York. However, members of the commercial fishing industry, particularly those involved in lobster trapping, still have reservations about offshore wind development in the area.

Kevin Kelley, a spokesperson for the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, expressed concerns about the impact of offshore wind on the marine environment, commercial fishermen, and the fishing heritage. While the wind energy area removes some critical fishing grounds, the association believes that no part of the Gulf of Maine should be industrialized with offshore wind.

Despite these concerns, several environmental and labour groups voiced their support for the proposal. Kate Sinding Daly, senior vice president of law and policy at Conservation Law Foundation, noted that the designation has excluded the most sensitive areas from wind turbine construction.

The designated wind energy area spans approximately 2 million acres (0.81 hectares) off Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, located 23 to 92 miles (37 to 148.06 kilometers) off the coast depending on the location. The BOEM stated that the development of this area could potentially exceed state goals for offshore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine.

In the coming days, BOEM is expected to announce its intent to prepare an environmental assessment of potential impacts of offshore wind leasing activities in the area.

.

offshore wind development area New England
New England offshore wind development area.