BOEM Sets Date for California Offshore Wind Talks

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is hosting a public information meeting on current planning activities for possible offshore wind development in California.

The public information meeting will be held on 13 December from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time at the board chambers of San Luis Obispo County Government Center.

BOEM published a Call for Information and Nominations in October to solicit public input on the potential for offshore wind energy development within two proposed areas off central and one off northern California.

The three call areas include 85 whole Outer Continental Shelf blocks and 573 partial blocks and together comprise approximately 1,073 square miles or 687,823 acres.

At the event, BOEM will discuss how the public can comment on the call, the planning timeline and additional opportunities for public participation.

The agency will provide a demonstration of the California Offshore Wind Energy Gateway, a web-based spatial planning tool being used by BOEM and the State of California to collect and share information on offshore uses and resources to inform decision making.

The public will also have the opportunity to provide input and ask questions to state agency representatives and other BOEM California Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force members.