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Update: OCS Renewable Energy

Update: OCS Renewable Energy. Environmental Business Council New England, Inc. Boston, Massachusetts March 25, 2009. Maureen A. Bornholdt Program Manager Office of Offshore Alternative Energy Programs Minerals Management Service. Energy Policy Act of 2005.

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Update: OCS Renewable Energy

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  1. Update:OCS Renewable Energy Environmental Business Council New England, Inc. Boston, Massachusetts March 25, 2009 Maureen A. Bornholdt Program Manager Office of Offshore Alternative Energy Programs Minerals Management Service

  2. Energy Policy Act of 2005 • Section 388 amended Section 8 of OCSLA • Authority to regulate a broad spectrum of activities: • Renewable energy (e.g., wind, ocean wave, ocean current, solar, hydrogen production) • Alternate use of existing facilities (e.g., research and offshore support stations, recreation opportunities) 2

  3. New Directions • February 10 Announcement: • Adopt a comprehensive approach to offshore energy development • Report on offshore energy resources within 45 days • Hold 4 regional meetings: Apr 6 (NJ), Apr 8 (LA), Apr 14 (AK), Apr 16 (CA) • March 11 Secretarial Order 3285 establishing Energy & Climate Change Taskforce to develop: • Strategies to increase development and transmission • Best management practices to ensure environmentally responsible development and delivery March 17 DOI & FERC agreement covering jurisdiction for offshore OCS wave and current resources 3

  4. Status of the MMS Rulemaking • Sent proposed rule to OMB (Mar 2008) • Published proposed rule (July 2008) • Held rule workshops (Aug 2008) • Closed comment period (September 2008) • Sent final rule to OMB (Nov 2008) • Ready to move the rule forward 4

  5. Rulemaking Comments 280 comments focused on alternative energy process Most Common Topics: State and Local Consultation Bonding Confidentiality Jurisdiction Revenue Sharing Environmental Review Processes Comments addressed in the final Rule 5

  6. Related Initiatives: Interim Policy • Interim Policy currently in effect for limited leasing before final regulations • Covers resource data collection and technology testing activities • Will authorize 5-year term • Will not give priority rights for subsequent commercial development

  7. Interim Policy • Currently considering 10 wind limited lease areas • 6 offshore NJ • 1 offshore DE • 3 offshore GA • Held public stakeholder workshops in Nov 2008 • Anticipate issuing several limited leases within the next couple of months

  8. Status of Cape Wind Energy Project Proposal • Published draft EIS (Jan 2008) • Held draft EIS public hearings (Mar 2008) • Published final EIS (Jan 2009) • Continuing regulatory compliance

  9. Massachusetts Initiative • Interest exists as indicated by 5 Interim Policy nominations • Oceans Act of 2008 calls for a comprehensive plan to manage development, including renewable energy • In JanuaryGovernor announced a production goal of 2,000 MW by 2020 • Be in a position to support Massachusetts’ plan and goals

  10. Implement the Rule Continue to work closely with State, local, and tribal governments Issue Interim Policy leases and review project plans Complete review of CW Project Identify challenges and baseline data needs using an adaptive management philosophy Continue education and outreach efforts Looking Ahead

  11. More Information… On the Web at: www.mms.gov/offshore/alternativeenergy Maureen A. Bornholdt Program Manager Office of Offshore Alternative Energy Programs 703-787-1300

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