Biden Administration Advances Offshore Wind Leasing in Guam
WASHINGTON — He may have just two weeks left in the White House, but President Joe Biden is hardly coasting to a finish, particularly when it comes to his renewable energy goals.
On Monday the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued a formal call for information and nominations for possible wind energy leasing off the coast of the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam.
The call, which is being carried out in collaboration with the government of Guam, will enable agency officials to gather public comments to inform their decisions to designate potential leasing areas.
The Biden administration has set a goal of deploying 30 GW of offshore wind energy capacity in the U.S. by 2030. Independently, Guam has set a goal of generating 50% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025 and 100% by 2045.
“Responsible offshore wind development off Guam’s coast offers a vital opportunity to expand clean energy, cut carbon emissions, and reduce energy costs for Guam residents,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein in a written statement.
“We remain committed to tackling the climate crisis, achieving President Biden’s energy goals, and ensuring economic opportunities for all, including underserved communities,” she said.
Over the past four years, the agency, which oversees ocean energy development, has approved 11 commercial scale offshore wind projects and held six offshore wind lease auctions, including the first-ever lease sales for the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of Maine coats.
The call was published in this morning’s Federal Register, initiating a 90-day comment period ending at 11:59 p.m. on April 7.
The bureau is seeking public input on site conditions, marine resources, and ocean uses near or within the area.
Concurrently, wind energy companies can nominate specific areas they would like to see offered for leasing.
The call requests information on one contiguous area around the island that comprises approximately 2.1 million acres.
The area begins about 3 nautical miles from shore at its closest points, in water depths ranging from approximately 1148 to 7217 feet.
More information on the Guam Call, including a map of the area and instructions for commenting, can be found on BOEM’s Guam webpage.
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