This week, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management plans to host two virtual meetings aimed at gathering input for a draft study that looks at how the Humboldt Wind Energy Area could be affected by possible commercial leasing and site characterization and assessment-related activities.
The public has until Feb. 10 to weigh in. BOEM plans to hold a meeting from 9 a.m. to noon PT on Jan.25, and another meeting from 5 to 8 p.m. PT on Jan. 26 to gather comments.
The 206-square-mile area is being looked at as a potential location for offshore wind development that could generate up to 1.6 gigawatts of clean energy and power roughly 560,000 homes.
Before moving forward on any offshore wind energy facility in the Humboldt WEA, BOEM plans to create an Environmental Impact Statement to study specific environmental consequences of building and running such a facility, with consultation from stakeholders.
“BOEM is requesting public comments on the adequacy of our environmental analysis and of the measures designed to avoid or reduce potential environmental impacts,” said BOEM’s Pacific Office regional director Doug Boren. “BOEM will consider such comments before determining whether to issue a finding of no significant impact or to conduct additional analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act.”
The draft EA, instructions on how to submit comments and information on the public meetings can be found online at www.boem.gov/HumboldtEA.
