Share Feedback on BOEM ‘Central Atlantic 2’ Call Area by Oct. 21
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking public comment through Oct. 21 on a call for information and nominations for a second regional offshore wind energy sale in the Central Atlantic, known as “Central Atlantic 2.” A map showing the boundaries of the Central Atlantic 2 Call for Information and Nominations Area can be found by clicking on the “Planning and Lease Areas” dropdown in the Portal’s Renewable Energy theme.
The second Central Atlantic call represents one of the first steps in the leasing process. It builds upon the input and planning that led to BOEM’s first Central Atlantic lease sale on Aug. 14.
BOEM published the call in the Federal Register on Aug. 22, initiating a 60-day public comment period. Those interested in submitting a comment should follow the instructions in the notice. BOEM will also host several virtual and in-person public meetings in September and October, including a virtual Task Force meeting via Zoom on Sept. 10-11. To find out more information and to register, go to: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/central-atlantic-2-public-meetings.
After the public comment period closes, BOEM will review and analyze commercial nominations and public comments submitted in response to the call. BOEM will also consider information from Tribal consultations and the Central Atlantic Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force to further evaluate the appropriateness of the call area for offshore wind energy development and identify draft wind energy areas (WEAs). BOEM will conduct environmental reviews of the WEAs in consultation with the appropriate federal agencies, Tribes, state and local governments, and key stakeholders. After completing its environmental reviews and consultations, BOEM may propose a competitive lease sale for areas within the WEAs.
The Central Atlantic 2 Call Area consists of 13,476,805 acres off the New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina coasts. The map includes two deepwater areas that were part of the original Central Atlantic Call Area in 2022 and that BOEM is once again seeking comment on through the current call process. For more on the Central Atlantic 2 Call Area, visit BOEM’s informational page.
Additional Central Atlantic Maps
The Portal houses four maps that show the progression from the first Central Atlantic Call Area announced in 2022 to the two areas that were auctioned for leasing by BOEM earlier this month. These maps can also be found by clicking the “Planning and Lease Areas” dropdown in the Renewable Energy theme:
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