Department of the Interior August 18, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Commercial Wind Lease Issuance and Site Characterization Activities on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts
This notice is being published as an initial step for the purpose of involving Federal agencies, states, tribes, local government, offshore wind energy developers, and the public in the Department of the Interior's (DOI) ``Smart from the Start'' wind energy initiative. The purpose of the ``Smart from the Start'' wind energy initiative is to identify areas that may be most suitable for wind energy leasing on the OCS, and to obtain public and expert input that will inform the Department's decisionmaking with regard to issuing leases and approving site assessment activities in these areas, in accordance with the DOI and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). On November 23, 2010, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the ``Smart from the Start'' renewable energy initiative to accelerate the responsible development of renewable energy resources on the Atlantic OCS. The initiative focuses on the identification and refinement of areas on the OCS that are most suitable for renewable energy development (Wind Energy Areas (WEAs)), and utilizes coordinated environmental studies, large-scale planning processes, and expedited review processes within these areas to achieve an efficient and responsible renewable energy leasing process. In consultation with other Federal agencies and the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Renewable Energy Task Forces, BOEMRE has identified an area for consideration for potential future wind energy leasing. This area, offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts, is identified in the Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts-Call for Information and Nominations (Call), which is being published concurrently with this notice. The area identified in the Call and this notice is located within the Area of Mutual Interest (AMI), as described by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. More information on the task forces and the ``Smart from the Start'' initiative can be found at: https://www.boemre.gov/offshore/ RenewableEnergy/StateActivitiesProjects.htm and https://www.doi.gov/ news/pressreleases/Salazar-Launches-Smart-from-the-Start-Init iative-to- Speed-Offshore-Wind-Energy-Development-off-the-Atlantic-Coast .cfm. BOEMRE intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA), which will consider the environmental consequences associated with issuing commercial wind leases and approving site assessment activities on those leases (within all or some of this Call Area). The EA will not analyze or support development activities. If a successful lessee proposes development activity, the specific proposal will be given full review at that time. BOEMRE is seeking public input regarding the identification of the important environmental and/or socioeconomic issues and alternatives to be considered in the EA.
Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts-Call for Information and Nominations (Call)
BOEMRE invites the submission of nominations for one or more commercial leases that would allow a lessee to propose the construction of a wind energy project(s) on the OCS offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts and to develop a project if further environmental review is successful. Although this announcement is not itself a leasing announcement, the area described herein may be subject to future leasing, and BOEMRE will use the responses to this Call for Information and Nominations (Call) to gauge specific interest in acquiring commercial wind leases in some or all of the area described, and to determine whether competitive interest exists in any particular area, as required by 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3). Parties wishing to submit a nomination in response to this Call should submit detailed and specific information in response to the requirements described in the section entitled, ``Required Nomination Information.'' This announcement also requests that interested and affected parties comment and provide information about site conditions, resources and multiple uses within the area identified in this notice that would be relevant to BOEMRE's review of the nominations submitted and any subsequent decision to offer all or part of the area for commercial wind leasing. The information that BOEMRE is requesting is described below in the section entitled, ``Requested Information from Interested or Affected Parties.'' This notice is published pursuant to subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3), as well as the implementing regulations at 30 CFR Part 285. The area under consideration for this Call (Call Area) is located on the OCS off the coast of Rhode Island and Massachusetts within the Area of Mutual Interest (AMI), as described by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Governors of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The Call Area is divided into two areas which are separated by an existing Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). The first section of the Call Area is northwest of the TSS beginning approximately 9 nautical miles (nmi) southeast of Point Judith, Rhode Island, and extending approximately 2 nmi seaward (Northwest section). This section of the Call Area is approximately 1.25 square nmi and contains 1 partial OCS lease block. The second section of the Call Area is southeast of the TSS beginning approximately 10 nmi south of the Newport, Rhode Island coast, and extending approximately 20 nmi seaward (Southeast section). This section of the Call Area is approximately 246 square nmi and contains 31 whole OCS lease blocks as well as 10 partial OCS lease blocks. The Call Area was identified by BOEMRE in consultation with the State of Rhode Island and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and further delineated in consultation with the BOEMRE/Rhode Island and BOEMRE/Massachusetts Renewable Energy Task Forces. A detailed description of the area and how it was identified is found later in this notice.
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the General Management Plan (DEIS/GMP), Canaveral National Seashore, FL
Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 the NPS announces the availability of a DEIS/GMP for Canaveral National Seashore, Florida. The document provides a framework for management, use, and development options for the Seashore by the NPS for the next 15 to 20 years. It describes four management alternatives for consideration, including a No-Action Alternative that continues current management policies and the NPS's preferred alternative. The document analyzes the environmental impacts of the alternatives.
DRAFT General Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Biscayne National Park, FL
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the General Management Plan (GMP) for Biscayne National Park (Park), Florida. Consistent with NPS laws, regulations, and policies and the purpose of the Park, the Draft EIS/GMP describes the NPS preferred alternativeAlternative 4to guide the management of the Park over the next 20 to 30 years. The preferred alternative incorporates various management prescriptions to ensure protection, access and enjoyment of the park's resources. An up-to-date GMP is needed to address how visitors access and use the park and the facilities needed to support those uses, how resources are managed, and how the NPS manages its operations. Recent studies have enhanced the NPS's understanding of resources, resource threats, and visitor use in the park.
Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for the Wright Area South Porcupine Coal Lease-by-Application and Environmental Impact Statement, Wyoming
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the South Porcupine Coal Lease-by-Application (LBA) included in the Wright Area Coal Lease Applications Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
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