Biden Administration Finalizes Three Wind Energy Areas Off Mid-Atlantic Coast

On July 31, 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced three final wind energy areas (WEAs) off the shores of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. The final WEAs have the potential to support 4-8 gigawatts of energy, contributing to the Biden administration's goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030.

The WEAs were finalized through a comprehensive planning process, involving extensive engagement with states, tribes, local residents and government agencies such as the Department of Defense and NASA. In partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, BOEM developed an ecosystem-based ocean planning model to assist in selecting the final WEAs.