The finding by the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is a major step forward for the proposal, which is part of President Barack Obama's national Climate Action Plan, moving it the next phase of consideration.
The proposal includes three open areas. One is near Kitty Hawk, where America's Wright Brothers famously made the world's first powered flight just over a decade ago. The other two are off the coasts of Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
In conducting its studies, the bureau looked at, and sought to minimize impacts to both commercial traffic going in and out of the Port of Wilmington, N.C., and military training operations. Its final plan will also include measures to keep the turbines from interfering with marine life and migratory birds.
The agency is slated to hold a public meeting on its findings at the Coastline Conference and Event Center located on 501 Nutt Street in Wilmington, N.C. on October 7. The key item that will be discussed is the federal agency's proposed approach for an offshore wind auction.
After considering input from the metting, the bureau will publish its proposal via a “Proposed Sale Notice” in the Federal Register, which will include a 60-day public comment period.
If, after leases are issued, a lessee proposes to construct a commercial wind energy facility, it will have to submit a construction and operations plan for the bureau's review and approval. The agency would then prepare a site-specific NEPA analysis for the project proposed.
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