Department of Interior Announces First Step to Develop Wind Energy Offshore Hawaii

June 20, 2016

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced the first step to support wind energy development in federal waters offshore Hawaii. In consultation with the Hawaii Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force, Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a Call for Information and Nominations to gauge the offshore wind industry's interest in acquiring commercial wind leases in two areas spanning approximately 485,000 acres of submerged lands in federal waters offshore Oahu. The Call also solicits public comment on site conditions, resources, and other uses in and near those areas, while also supporting Hawaii's ambitious goal of reaching 100% clean energy generation by 2045.