DOI Announces Update to Offshore Wind Definitions Pursuant to IRA

Date: 10/04/2023

Type: Implementation of IRA

On October 4, 2023, DOI announced that it is amending its renewable energy regulations to incorporate the revised definitions of “outer Continental Shelf” and “State” into its existing regulations governing offshore wind energy leasing in line with the IRA. IRA section 50251 amended the definition of “Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)” in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to include submerged lands within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) adjacent to all U.S. territories and added a definition of “State” to include each of the several 50 States of the Union, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This direct final rule is effective on December 4, 2023 without further notice, unless BOEM receives adverse comments by November 3, 2023.

Opportunities for Participation and Additional Resources:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/10/04/2023-21713/conformity-with-the-inflation-reduction-act-for-renewable-energy-on-the-outer-continental-shelf?utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list