A Message from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's Acting Director: The Path Forward for Offshore Wind Leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf

June 11, 2019

Offshore wind is a highly promising avenue for adding to a diversified national energy portfolio, and the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf provides a world-class wind resource on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) collaborate on offshore wind development through a Memorandum of Understanding and through the jointly-developed National Offshore Wind Strategy. A June news release from the DOI’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) outlines BOEM’s offshore wind leasing strategy, including regional approaches and considerations. The release discusses the 15 active commercial leases for offshore wind development that could support more than 21 gigawatts of generating capacity, as well as planned future leasing activities. Learn more about offshore wind energy.