Call for Public Comments Continue on Offshore Wind Projects

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Managment continues the 45 day public comment period ending in February. On Jan. 8, 2024, BOEM announced the publication of a “Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Draft PEIS) for Expected Wind Energy Development in the New York Bight". During the comment period, BOEM is seeking additional information on important resources and issues, potential impacts to the environment, and programmatic avoidance, minimization, mitigation, and monitoring measures analyzed in the New York Bight Draft PEIS.

BOEM will hold Environmental Justice Forums for New York & New Jersey over the course of the PEIS development period, on a quarterly basis through July 2024. These forums are intended to be bidirectional information sharing sessions, co-designed with participants, including federal agencies whose work overlaps with the BOEM activities, state agencies, and community-based organizations. More information can be found at New York & New Jersey Offshore Wind Environmental Justice Forums.

There are six leases in the New York Bight.

These projects have been met with growing questions, and there is a public comment period that is underway. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Managment has announced virtual and in person public meetings, registration is required.

Virtual public meetings. Registration is required: Jan. 31, 2024, 5:00 p.m. ET and/or Registration Feb. 13, 2024, 1:00 p.m. ET

In Person: Registration is encouraged Feb. 8, 2024, 4:00 p.m. ET, Clarion Hotel, 815 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ