ICYMI, last week BOEM published the Final WEA for the Gulf of Maine. This is a major milestone within the renewable energy planning and leasing process. As this short video demonstrates, we've reached this point after two plus years of extensive engagement with Tribes, our government partners, existing ocean users, fishing communities, and other stakeholders.
In particular, I want to highlight how fortunate we have been to benefit from the vast knowledge Tribes and fishermen have brought to the table through their comments and direct engagements. It's been a humbling experience for me, and I hope folks that have come to our meetings and submitted comments are able to see the influence their participation has had on the shape of this process and the boundaries of the Final WEA.
In seeking to identify the least conflicted sites for potential offshore wind development, BOEM has to balance many differing (often conflicting) ocean uses and resources, while still striving to meet the region's renewable energy goals. This is a challenging exercise, involving many difficult conversations. I am personally grateful to everyone who has submitted a letter or taken the time away from their busy schedules to attend a meeting.
Our partnership with NOAA Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and the resulting spatial suitability model has greatly advanced our ability to meaningfully engage in these conversations, incorporate best available science and data, and transparently explain our decision-making process to the public.
While the Final WEA is an important step, there are still many steps to come. We look forward to continued public engagement through the leasing process and beyond.
https://lnkd.in/eeceH_Ye
In case you missed it, last week, we finalized the Wind Energy Area in the Gulf of Maine 💨 ⚡
This announcement was the result of a process built upon public engagement 🤝
As a result of this public feedback, the original area considered for development was reduced by ~85% 🌊
Residential Customer Tech at MidAmerican Energy
2wWithout the government kickbacks & taxpayer's $$ to build these isores, Warren Buffett would have invested in ZERO of these.