The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) 
yesterday announced eight draft Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) offshore of the coasts of Del., Md., Va. and N.C. opening up a public review and comment process,
National Ocean Industries Association President Erik Milito Issued the Following Statement
“With growing offshore wind opportunities, the states along the Central Atlantic coast have a chance to become part of the next wave of offshore wind hubs. While these states will clearly benefit tremendously from jobs and investment associated with offshore wind development, the benefits will stretch across our nation. Offshore wind is a national endeavor with national benefits; the more offshore wind leases and the greater the geographical diversity of new American offshore wind projects, the greater the benefits will be to the national supply chain.
“NOIA successfully advocated for language in the Inflation Reduction Act to overturn the 10-year moratorium on offshore wind leasing in the area stretching from North Carolina down through the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. The $315 million Carolina Long Bay offshore wind lease sale shows how attractive the region is for offshore wind investments. Today’s announcement will allow North Carolina and other coastal states to keep wind momentum going.” See, https://www.noia.org/central-atlantic-weas-are-welcome-news-for-coastal-states-and-nation/
BOEM seeks to identify appropriate offshore Wind Energy Areas suitable for commercial wind energy activities while having the fewest apparent environmental and user conflicts.
BOEM is seeking comment on potential conflicts with the draft areas, including with a potential U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) fairway for transiting vessels, commercial fishing, a NASA danger zone, and marine habitat areas.
At Hofmann & Schweitzer, we will continue to update you on the status of where and when these excellent construction and maritime job opportunities in the wind energy development field will occur. We will be there for the needs of labor if disaster strikes you and your family.
