New England Offshore Wind Development Area Designated

The federal government announces a 2-million acre offshore wind project in the Gulf of Maine, aiming to balance renewable energy growth with environmental and fishing industry concerns.

• The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management designates a 2-million acre area off the coasts of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire for offshore wind development.
• The designated area is 80% smaller than initially planned, avoiding key lobster fishing grounds and North Atlantic right whale habitats.
• The project aims to surpass state goals for offshore wind energy, potentially supporting the generation of 32 gigawatts of zero carbon energy.
• Environmental and labor groups largely support the proposal, though the commercial fishing industry expresses concerns about the impact on marine life and fishing heritage.
• BOEM plans to prepare an environmental assessment of potential impacts, with a public comment period to follow.

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