BOEM delineated the RI/MA Wind Energy Area after extensive consultation with the Joint Rhode Island and Massachusetts Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force, beginning in 2010. After careful consideration of the Task Force recommendations and related information, BOEM modified the RI/MA Wind Energy Area in order to exclude some commercially important fishing grounds (in the vicinity of Cox’s Ledge) from the area, as well as reduce potential impacts to navigation and avoid unexploded ordnance.
More details on the February 24, 2012 Area Identification can be found at: /sites/default/files/uploadedFiles/BOEM/Renewable_Energy_Program/State_Activities/AreaID_Announcement_022312.pdf.