The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the State of California have formed the California Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force to advance offshore wind and wave energy development opportunities in the state.
The California task force will facilitate coordination and communication between BOEM and state, local, and tribal governments and other federal agencies concerning potential renewable energy leasing for research activities and commercial development on federal submerged lands on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), offshore California, according to BOEM.
California is the 14th US coastal state to form a renewable energy task force to provide critical information to the decision-making process, including how to resolve potential conflicts between development and environmental concerns and other uses.
The inaugural meeting of the California Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force was held in Sacramento on October 13, during which a common set of themes and objectives the task force will use to guide future collaboration and consultation among its members was established.
Janice Schneider , Interior Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, said: “California, with its track record of collaborative planning to bring online land-based renewable energy projects, now sets its eye to the sea to begin early planning on how Pacific offshore winds and waves may one day help the state meet its aggressive renewable energy goal.”
Abigail Ross Hopper , BOEM Director, said: “Working closely with California’s coastal and ocean stakeholders will also allow BOEM and task force members to identify and address issues early in the planning process for future offshore renewable energy leasing and development. As we move forward, it’s critical we actively engage these important stakeholders throughout the planning process.”
BOEM manages the exploration and development of the US offshore energy and mineral resources.
The Bureau seeks to balance economic development, energy production, and environmental protection through oil and gas leasing, renewable energy development and environmental reviews and studies.