The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced the release of the draft Morro Bay Wind Energy Area (WEA) Environmental Assessment (EA) for public comment.
The draft EA analysed potential impacts from future commercial leasing and related site characterisation and assessment activities within the Morro Bay WEA, which is located approximately 20 miles off the central California coastline. Before approving the construction of any offshore wind energy facility on a potential future lease in the Morro Bay WEA, BOEM will develop an Environmental Impact Statement to analyse the specific environmental consequences of constructing and operating such a facility, in consultation with Tribes and appropriate federal, state and local agencies and with participation by ocean users, stakeholders and the public. BOEM is also requesting public comments related to potential impacts to historic properties from commercial leasing and site characterisation and assessment activities in the Morro Bay WEA. The announcement initiates a 30-day public review and comment period on the draft EA, which will end at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern) on Friday, May 6, 2022.