Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Publishes Final Environmental Assessment for Offshore Leasing in Central Atlantic Region on Our Website
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced a significant shift in offshore wind energy development in the Central Atlantic region. After conducting comprehensive environmental reviews for potential lease activities, ongoing lease sales and future developments have been put on hold or rescinded, following recent federal policy actions in 2025.
In July 2023, BOEM announced three Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) in the Central Atlantic. Lease Area C-1, spanning 176,505 acres and approximately 35 nautical miles from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, was one of these areas. However, in December 2023, the Department of the Interior (DOI) revealed plans for a proposed lease sale involving two WEAs in the Central Atlantic. To the surprise of many, the WEA located approximately 23.5 nautical miles offshore Ocean City, Maryland, was removed from this proposed lease sale. BOEM stated that WEA required further study due to significant costs and mitigation requirements.
Prior to these cancellations, environmental reviews under laws like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA) were critical in assessing the environmental impacts of proposed lease activities. These processes were lengthy, resource-intensive, and had contributed to permitting delays and litigation.
In response to these challenges, the administration temporarily withdrew all areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from offshore wind leasing while reviewing federal leasing and permitting practices. This move emphasizes ending what the administration cited as "preferential treatment" for wind projects, characterized as unreliable and foreign-influenced energy sources.
Despite the current halt on lease sales and developments, BOEM remains committed to ensuring any future development in the region is done in a way that avoids, reduces, or mitigates potential impacts to ocean users and the marine environment. Elizabeth Klein, BOEM Director, reiterated this commitment, stating that they will continue to work closely with Tribes, government partners, ocean users, and the public.
Moreover, BOEM will develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for any proposed projects. While no specific details were provided about the potential second lease sale in 2025, WEA B-1 may be considered for inclusion. The upcoming lease sale will detail the time and date of the lease sale and qualified participants. The final sale notice for the upcoming lease sale in the Central Atlantic will be published at least 30 days before the sale.
As the future of offshore wind energy development in the Central Atlantic remains uncertain, one thing is clear: thorough environmental reviews will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the industry's direction.
[1] BOEM. (2023). Central Atlantic Wind Energy Areas Lease Sale Announcement
[2] DOI. (2023). Proposed Central Atlantic Wind Energy Areas Lease Sale
[3] BOEM. (2023). Environmental Review Process
[4] DOI. (2025). Secretary’s Order 3437 and Presidential Memorandum
- The renewable-energy sector, specifically offshore wind energy, is experiencing a shift in the Central Atlantic region, with BOEM putting ongoing lease sales and future developments on hold or rescinding them due to recent federal policy actions.
- In the environmental-science field, comprehensive reviews under acts like NEPA, MMPA, and ESA are critical in assessing the environmental impacts of proposed lease activities, despite contributing to permitting delays and litigation.
- Despite the current halt on lease sales and developments, the business of offshore wind energy development in the Central Atlantic is poised to continue, with BOEM committing to ensuring future development is done in a way that minimizes impacts on ocean users and the marine environment.
- As the future of offshore wind energy development in the Central Atlantic remains uncertain, finance in the renewable-energy industry will likely be influenced by the thorough environmental reviews that continue to play a crucial role in shaping the industry's direction.
