The Department of the Interior says the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has completed the environmental analysis of the proposed Vineyard Wind I offshore wind project. This represents significant progress in the Biden-Harris administration’s goal to accelerate responsible development of renewable energy on public lands and waters as a key component of tackling the climate crisis and creating jobs.
Vineyard Wind is proposing an 800 MW wind energy project approximately 12 nautical miles off the shore of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket in the northern portion of Vineyard Wind’s lease area. If approved, it would be the first commercial-scale offshore wind project in the country.
“Offshore energy development provides an opportunity for us to work with Tribal nations, communities and other ocean users to ensure all decisions are transparent and utilize the best available science,” says Amanda Lefton, director of BOEM. “We appreciate everyone’s participation in the process and look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders on the future analysis of offshore wind projects.”
Later this week, BOEM will publish a notice of availability for the final environmental impact statement (EIS) in the Federal Register, which analyzes the potential environmental impacts of making a decision on Vineyard Wind’s construction and operation plan.
On June 12, 2020, as a result of comments received during the National Environmental Policy Act process and in coordination with cooperating agencies, the draft EIS was supplemented with additional analysis. Additional areas of analysis included reasonably foreseeable effects from an expanded cumulative activities scenario for offshore wind development, previously unavailable fishing data, a new transit lane alternative and changes since the publication of the draft EIS to the proposed project.
Following a 45-day comment period and five virtual public meetings, BOEM incorporated comments received on the draft EIS and the supplemental analysis into the final EIS.
BOEM is working with the appropriate parties to finalize the Section 106 process, consistent with the National Historic Preservation Act, and to issue a record of decision whether to approve, disapprove or approve with modifications the proposed project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Marine Fisheries Service will sign this joint record of decision for their respective authorization decisions.
To access the Final Environment Impact Statement, click here.
Photo: Vineyard Wind I’s project map
