US BOEM Proposes Offshore Wind Rules Modernization

On January 12, 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”), an agency within the US Department of Interior (“DOI”), issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NOPR”) to update regulations for clean energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf (“OCS”).

The DOI press release states in part:

The proposed regulations would modernize regulations, streamline overly complex and burdensome processes, clarify ambiguous provisions and enhance compliance provisions in order to decrease costs and uncertainty associated with the deployment of offshore wind facilities. The proposed reforms are estimated to save developers approximately $1 billion over a 20 year period.

The NOPR will be published in the Federal Register for a 60-day comment period.

See the NOPR here: https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/documents/renewable-energy/regulatory-framework-and-guidelines/Mod%20Rule%20NPRM.pdf

See the DOI press release here: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-takes-steps-strengthen-offshore-clean-energy-development