SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Proposed Action: The final EA analyzes the Proposed Action, which is to issue commercial wind energy leases in the Gulf of Maine wind energy area (WEA) and grant rights-of-way (ROWs) and rights-of-use and easement (RUEs). A BOEM-issued lease provides lessees the exclusive right to submit plans to BOEM for possible approval. The EA considers the reasonably foreseeable environmental consequences associated with site characterization activities (geophysical, geotechnical, archaeological, and biological surveys) and site assessment activities (including the installation and operation of meteorological buoys). BOEM prepared an EA for this proposed action to inform its planning and decision-making (40 CFR 1501.5(b)).

Alternative: In addition to the Proposed Action, BOEM considered a No Action Alternative. Under the No Action Alternative, BOEM would neither issue commercial wind energy leases nor grant ROWs and RUEs in the Gulf of Maine WEA. BOEM's preferred alternative is the Proposed Action.

Finding of no significant impact: After carefully considering the alternatives and comments from the public and cooperating and consulting agencies on the draft EA, BOEM finds that issuing commercial wind energy leases and granting ROWs and RUEs in the Gulf of Maine WEA would not significantly impact the environment.

Availability of the final EA: The final EA and associated information are available on BOEM's website at: https://www.boem.gov/​renewable-energy/​state-activities/​maine/​gulf-maine.

Authority:42 U.S.C. 4231 et seq. (NEPA, as amended) and 40 CFR 1506.6.

89 FR 73122