Restoring Offshore Wind Opportunities Act

Restoring Offshore Wind Opportunities Act

This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to grant leases on the Outer Continental Shelf for activities that produce or support production, transportation, or transmission of energy from sources other than oil and gas (e.g., wind energy) in certain areas of the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic and Straits of Florida Planning Areas.

In September of 2020, presidential memorandums placed a moratorium on all energy leases in those areas for a 10-year period. This bill allows energy leases from such sources in those areas during that time.

Bill 117 HR 2635, also known as the Restoring Offshore Wind Opportunities Act, aims to promote the development of offshore wind energy projects in the United States. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 13, 2021, by Representative Bill Keating from Massachusetts.

The main goal of the bill is to streamline the permitting process for offshore wind projects by requiring the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to issue leases for offshore wind development within one year of receiving an application. This would help expedite the approval process and encourage more investment in offshore wind energy.

Additionally, the bill seeks to establish a revenue sharing program for states that host offshore wind projects. Under this program, states would receive a portion of the revenues generated from offshore wind leases, which could help fund local infrastructure projects and support economic development in coastal communities. Overall, the Restoring Offshore Wind Opportunities Act aims to support the growth of the offshore wind industry in the United States, create jobs, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The bill has received bipartisan support and is currently being considered by the House Committee on Natural Resources.