What to Know About BOEM’s Public Comment Process for Offshore Wind Development

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is responsible for overseeing development of offshore energy, marine minerals, and geological resources on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf in an environmentally and economically responsible way. We strive to do this in an inclusive, transparent manner that honors the public trust through meaningful collaboration and engagement. That’s why we actively seek public feedback throughout every step of our decision-making process when evaluating offshore wind energy areas, lease sales, and projects.?

Two examples for how BOEM seeks public input on proposed offshore wind projects include holding intergovernmental renewable energy task force meetings and public meetings. The knowledge and perspectives that Tribes, other government agencies, local communities, ocean users, and others contribute are critical to BOEM’s decision-making processes.??

How to participate during an open public comment period:???

• Meet our staff! Attend a meeting: BOEM regularly holds meetings both in person and virtually to provide information and answer questions about our processes and proposed offshore wind projects for the public.?Watch this video to learn what to expect at a public meeting.
• Let your voice be heard! Submit public comments: Opportunities for public comments are often provided during our meetings. We may request public input via oral testimony, handwritten comments on comment cards, or electronically through the use of provided laptops. If you are unable to attend a meeting, you can also submit comments through Regulations.gov or by mailing your comments to BOEM.??

A few things to know after a public comment period has closed:?

• Once a public comment period has closed, BOEM reviews all submitted comments.?
• Following the comment review, BOEM responds to all substantive comments. These comments and responses are made publicly accessible on Regulations.gov after the public comment period ends.??

Tips for making effective and substantive comments:?

BOEM is looking for the following:??

• Comments that provide new information that may change conclusions.?
• Comments that clarify and improve BOEM's analysis.??
• Comments that offer new feasible alternatives different from those already in consideration.?

?The types of comments that BOEM values most:??

• Are fact-based. If possible, include links to data and research.???
• Comments that reflect diverse viewpoints, including from Tribes and Indigenous Communities.
• Are specific with regards to the reasons for your concerns about environmental impacts instead of broad statements.???
• Provide specific information regarding impacts on the ocean and coasts, plants and animals, and how people use the ocean.???

• Describe how your concern relates to the document or project being considered during the public comment period.???

We recommend that you avoid:?

• Blending multiple issues in a single paragraph to ensure greater clarity. A separate comment should be made for each issue or concern(s).???
• Non-substantive comments that do not provide enough specificity or substance for BOEM to be able to fully evaluate their impact or concern.?

BOEM regularly provides opportunities for comment on our planning and leasing efforts and proposed offshore wind projects under review. To stay up-to-date with ongoing public engagement processes, you can join our mailing list here.?

You can also follow BOEM on social media for current updates at www.boem.gov.?

The public feedback we receive helps inform our decisions for offshore wind planning and permitting policy. As we move forward with offshore energy development, we will continue to engage with Tribal nations, ocean users, communities, and stakeholders.