Bianca Sanchez, bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
PORTLAND, ME. – Today, the Department of Interior (DOI) proposed a pair of wind energy auctions in the Gulf of Maine and Oregon. Accounting for 15 GW of the potential 18 GW generated from the two sales, the proposed Gulf of Maine auction includes eight lease areas off the shore of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The nearly 1 million acres up for auction could generate enough clean wind energy to power more than 5 million local homes.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is now seeking feedback on the eight proposed Gulf of Maine lease areas and feedback on which areas, if any, should be prioritized for inclusion or exclusion in the sale. BOEM has proposed running sales in all eight areas simultaneously and including lease stipulations ensuring engagement with local communities, tribes, and industries.
The proposed Gulf of Maine auction comes at a critical time in New England’s energy transition. Earlier this spring, the region’s last two coal plants announced retirement dates, following settlement negotiations between Sierra Club and partners. Schiller Station, one of the two retiring plants, is slated to become a battery storage facility holding wind power captured in the Gulf of Maine. Additionally, as advocates continue to wade off gas expansion efforts, like Project Maple, offshore wind provides a clean, renewable alternative rich with community health and local economic benefits.
So far, 2024 has been the biggest year yet for offshore wind. Regionally, South Fork Wind and Vineyard Wind have powered on, plus Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut held a successful tri-state auction in March. Nationally, the Biden Administration announced last week a new five-year offshore wind leasing schedule. The schedule lays out a plan for a total of 12 offshore wind auctions in federal waters between now and 2028.
In response to today’s announcement, Sierra Club Northeast Deputy Regional Field Director Andrea Callan released the following statement:
“Responsible, equitable offshore wind development along the coast is crucial to achieving the emission reduction goals our New England communities need to breathe easier. Offshore wind has the potential to power our homes and way of life. By investing in project development, our states can lower energy bills, reduce health-harming pollution, and protect our ecosystems from the devastating impacts of climate change. To ensure a future of breathable and sustainable communities, the recent wave of offshore wind victories must continue into the summer and beyond.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.