The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced Tuesday it will conduct a regional environmental review of potential development activities on the five offshore wind lease areas off California’s central and north coasts.
The Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) could have the effect of speeding the planning and approval process for West Coast wind power development. BOEM will publish the plan in the Dec. 20 Federal Register, starting a 60-day public comment period.
“This regional environmental analysis will help ensure that timely decisions can be made to advance offshore wind while protecting the ocean environment, marine life, and other ocean uses,” said Doug Boren, BOEM’s Pacific regional director. “This approach also ensures both a comprehensive review of the California areas and improved efficiencies for future offshore wind project reviews.”
The PEIS will outline potential impacts of federal waters…
