The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is delaying the wind energy auction planned for potential lease areas offshore Oregon due to insufficient bidder interest at this time.
On Aug. 29, the Department of the Interior announced the Final Sale Notice (FSN) for wind leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf offshore Oregon following engagement through the Oregon Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force. This included coordination with the State of Oregon on advancing opportunities for leasing that would precede a multi-year process for site assessments and subsequent review of any specific project plans if submitted.
The FSN set an auction date for Oct. 15, and included two lease areas offshore Oregon and identified the five companies qualified to participate in the sale. Following issuance of the FSN, BOEM received bidding interest from one of the five qualified companies.
In determining a future opportunity for a potential lease sale, BOEM will continue to collaborate with representatives from federal, state and local agencies and Tribal governments, to coordinate on potential leasing and support ongoing stakeholder engagement processes on broader offshore wind considerations, such as the state-led development of a strategic roadmap for the sector.
Since January 2021, the Department has held five offshore wind lease auctions, including first-ever sales offshore the Pacific Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. Secretary Deb Haaland also recently announced a schedule of potential additional lease sales through 2028.
