The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) opened a 30-day public comment period last week on eight proposed wind energy areas off the Central Atlantic coast, including North Carolina. The eight areas include a combined 1.7 million acres of ocean area ranging from 19 to 77 nautical miles offshore. 

Environmental and clean energy advocates spoke positively about the announcement. “Today’s announcement lays the groundwork for additional offshore wind development in the Atlantic, which will help lower energy costs, create jobs, and fight climate change. Unlike dirty and dangerous offshore drilling that pollutes our waters, worsens the climate crisis, and harms frontline communities, offshore wind can support a just and equitable transition away from the fossil fuels that are driving the climate crisis,″ said Oceana Campaign Director Diane Hoskins. Two public comment meetings are scheduled, on November 30 at 12:30 p.m. and December 1 at 1:30 p.m. Comments will be accepted online through 11:59 p.m. on December 16. Full details on the proposal and the public comment process are available.