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Comment Sought On Offshore Wind Energy Development |
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June 20, 2018
In response to a request from Governor Murphy, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has extended the public comment period for offshore wind energy development in the four designated Call Areas within the New York/New Jersey Bight (see map). Although stakeholders will have other opportunities to provide comments during the wind energy development process, providing comments at this first stage is critical for reducing potential user conflicts and potential adverse impacts to marine species and habitats. The public comment now closes on July 30, 2018.
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has collaborated with BOEM to facilitate 3 public comment sessions to help ensure that BOEM is aware of the questions or concerns that New Jersey's marine resource stakeholders may have. Please note that only written comments will be considered as formal comment submissions; however, BOEM will provide comment cards at the meeting for handwritten submissions. Those who are unable to attend a meeting, or prefer to submit written comment to BOEM electronically, must do so before July 30. Comments may be submitted electronically or in hard-copy form. To submit comments online, or get information on how to mail in comments, please visit:
www.regulations.gov - in the Search bar, enter 'BOEM-2018-0004'.
The dates, times, and locations of the meetings are:
Monday, June 25, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Ocean City Rec Center, East 8th and Haven Ave., Ocean City
Monday, July 9, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Belmar Twp. Municipal Bldg., 601 Main St., Belmar
Tuesday, July 10, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Stafford Twp. Municipal Bldg., 260 E. Bay Ave., Manahawkin
There is no cost to participate in the meeting(s).
The NJDEP encourages marine resource stakeholders to review BOEM's materials online. Additionally, stakeholders are encouraged to also review the New York Offshore Wind Master Plan, which was produced by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The development of this master plan to serve New York's energy needs is one of the reasons BOEM has opened a public comment period in the Federal Register. See below for links to these materials.
As part of this outreach, the NJDEP is making every attempt to contact as many marine resource constituents as possible, including license and permit holders, registrants and others. However, given the communication tools currently available, NJDEP staff recognizes they might not have reached all interested parties.
Please note that NJDEP may not be able to provide similar advisory communications in the future for all relevant public comment periods placed in the Federal Register. The Administration, therefore, encourages the public to regularly check back to the websites provided below for the most up-to-date information. Offshore oil and gas development plans are also available through www.boem.gov. Stakeholders may also seek feedback from any of the state or federal fisheries management commissions and councils.
To learn more, please visit the following:
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Links
https://www.boem.gov/Atlantic-Region/
https://www.boem.gov/New-Jersey/
https://www.boem.gov/Press-Releases/
https://www.regulations.gov/ (in the Search bar, enter 'BOEM-2018-0004')
https://www.boem.gov/Atlantic-Fishing-Industry-Communication-and-Engagement/
https://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Path-Forward/
NYSERDA Links:
https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Offshore-Wind/New-York-Offshore-Wind-Master-Plan
https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Offshore-Wind/Events
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