Committed to fulfilling the Biden-Harris administration’s pledge for 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has concluded its environmental evaluation of the envisaged Empire Wind Farm Project based offshore New York. This promising project could feasibly power in excess of 700,000 households through clean and renewable energy, courtesy of BOEM’s estimation.
BOEM’s Contribution to Green Energy Policies
As BOEM Director, Elizabeth Klein, noted, BOEM actively seeks to fulfill stringent energy objectives while ensuring careful vigilance to circumvent, reduce, and counterbalance impacts on the marine ecosystem and ocean users. As part of this process, the organization appreciates the input received from Tribal Nations, locals, commercial fishing communities, and other ocean users.
Plans for Empire Wind 1 and Empire Wind 2
Empire Wind, LLC’s plan includes the construction of two separate offshore wind projects named Empire Wind 1 and Empire Wind 2, both located roughly 12 nautical miles (nm) south of Long Island, New York and about 16.9 nm east of Long Branch, New Jersey. Each of these two projects will operate independently.
Turbine Construction and Energy Generation
The proposed plan includes the construction of up to 57 wind turbines for Empire Wind 1 and as many as 90 wind turbines for Empire Wind 2. In addition, two offshore substations and two cable paths to connect with the onshore electrical grid on Long Island are anticipated. The combined energy output from these projects can potentially generate up to 2,076-megawatts of clean, renewable energy.
Updates on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
A Notice of Availability for the project’s final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be posted in the Federal Register on Sept. 15, 2023. This conclusive EIS document comprehensively investigates the likely environmental repercussions of the Empire Wind, LLC’s Construction and Operations Plan, and is accessible on BOEM’s official website.
Public Participation and Feedback
In an effort to encourage public participation, BOEM conducted three virtual public meetings and allowed a two-month public commentary period extending from Nov. 14, 2022, to Jan. 17, 2023. The agency gathered a total of 180 responses from Tribal Nations, government bodies at various levels, NGOs, and general public.
Next Steps in the Project
Having considered all the received feedback, BOEM developed the final EIS. A Record of Decision on the potential approval of the project, along with the stipulated approval conditions if approved at all, is anticipated to be released by BOEM this fall.
About BOEM
Operated by the Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) regulates America’s offshore energy and mineral assets. It strives for energy self-reliance, preservation of the environment, and economic progression via the accountable, scientific management of mineral resources and energy on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
