The Bureau of Ocean Energy and Management (BOEM) today announced the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed Revolution Wind energy project offshore Rhode Island.
The Notice of Availability for the Revolution Wind environmental analysis will publish in the Federal Register on Sept. 2, opening a 45-day public comment period that ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 17. The input received via this process will inform preparation of the Final EIS.
“Collaborating with all stakeholders and ocean users throughout the leasing and development process is vital,” said BOEM Director Amanda Lefton. “We’re committed to maintaining open and transparent communication with all stakeholders, and value public input. BOEM is using the best available science as well as knowledge from ocean users and other stakeholders to avoid and minimize conflict with existing uses and marine life.”
Revolution Wind, LLC submitted a Construction and Operation Plan (COP) for its proposed wind farm of up to 100 wind turbines located approximately 15 nautical miles southeast of Point Judith, Rhode Island. The expected megawatt (MW) capacity range for this project is 704 to 880 MW, enough to power at least 300,000 homes. The DEIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the project as described in the COP and several alternatives to the proposed action.
BOEM will use the findings of the EIS to inform its decision on whether to approve Revolution Wind’s COP, and if so, what mitigation measures to require.
Public Meetings
During the comment period, BOEM will hold three in-person and two virtual public meetings, where the public can learn more about: the review process, the EIS schedule, potential impacts from the proposed project, and proposals to reduce potential impacts. There will also be an opportunity for participants to provide comments on the DEIS. The public meetings will be held on the following dates and times. All times are Eastern:
In-person public meetings:
- Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022 at 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022 at 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022 at 5 p.m
Virtual public meetings:
- Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 at 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022 at 5 p.m
Public meetings will only be held if the COVID-19 Community Level is “LOW” according to the CDC. If levels are “MEDIUM” or “HIGH” for the surrounding areas, the meetings will be replaced with virtual meetings. Updates on meeting status will be found on BOEM’s website.
A virtual meeting room, including information about how to register for the virtual meetings and instructions for how to submit comments, will be published on BOEM’s website on September 2, 2022: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/revolution-wind.
The virtual meeting room will be available throughout the 45-day comment period and will include a copy of the DEIS, fact sheets, posters, and pre-recorded presentations.
BOEM will continue its dialogue with Tribal nations, including through formal Tribal consultation during the EIS review process.
Comments can also be submitted:
In written form by mail, enclosed in an envelope labeled “Revolution Wind COP DEIS” and addressed to Program Manager, Office of Renewable Energy, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166.
Or through the regulations.gov web portal: Navigate to https://www.regulations.gov/ and search for Docket No. BOEM-2022-0045. Click on the “Comment” button below the document link. Enter your information and comment, then click “Submit Comment.”
If you require a paper copy of the DEIS or public meeting materials or require call-in information for the virtual meetings (for those without reliable internet access), please contact BOEM at boempublicaffairs@boem.gov.
-- BOEM --
The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for America’s offshore energy and mineral resources. The bureau promotes energy independence, environmental protection and economic development through responsible, science-based management of energy and mineral resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.