The date for publication of the final ITA regulations was revised due to the revised EIS schedule. The final ITA regulations cannot be published until the ROD is published, so had to be revised to be after the new ROD publication date. In addition the final MMPA milestone was revised due to the required 30-day period after the final ITA regulations are published.
Cooperating under NEPA
Description:
The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibits "take" of marine mammals with certain exceptions. An incidental take authorization, which may be issued provided certain findings are made, allows for the "take" of marine mammals provided the authorized entity abides by mitigation and monitoring measures and take limits established in the authorization. The project proponent has communicated to NMFS that the activity may result in the incidental “take" of marine mammals and has expressed plans to submit a request for an MMPA incidental take authorization. Based on initial feedback from the applicant, we anticipate the incidental take authorization under the MMPA for this project will be a letter of authorization.
Milestones:
This date is based on the applicant submitting an initial, draft LOA application to NMFS at least 6 months prior to ensure time for the applicant to provide additional information or make revisions that NMFS indicates are necessary in order to deem the application adequate and complete. The date reflects 6-8 months prior to release of the proposed rule or concurrent with cooperating agency review of DEIS (whichever is earlier).
This date is 30 days after receipt of an adequate and complete application. NOAA’s ability to meet this schedule is contingent upon receipt of an adequate and complete application from the applicant.
This date is 6-8 months after the adequate and complete application is received, after the DEIS is released for public comment, and aligns with the schedule to complete ESA consultation. NOAA’s ability to meet this schedule is contingent upon receipt of required information from the applicant, the extent and nature of public comments received on the Notice of Receipt, and the ability of NMFS to preliminarily make the required findings.
This date reflects no less than six months after publishing the proposed regulations, no sooner than 60 days after the Record of Decision (ROD), and is contingent upon issuance of the Biological Opinion, FEIS and ROD. NOAA’s ability to meet this schedule is contingent upon receipt of required information from the applicant, the extent and nature of public comments received on the proposed ITA, and the ability of NMFS to make the required findings.
This date reflects no less than 30 days after publishing the final regulations, and no later than 90 days following the issuance of the Record of Decision for the action. NOAA’s ability to meet this schedule is contingent upon the issuance of the final regulations.
This date reflects no less than 30 days after publishing the final regulations, and no later than 90 days following the issuance of the Record of Decision for the action. NOAA’s ability to meet this schedule is contingent upon the issuance of the final regulations.
All dates below are specific to the schedule of the Environmental Review and Permitting processes for this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND PERMITTING STATUS
IN PROGRESS
ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND PERMITTING
11/20/2023
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND PERMITTING PROCESSES
COMPLETED
SECTOR
Renewable Energy Production
CATEGORY
Project Category
FAST-41 Covered Projects
LEAD AGENCY
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
View FAST-41 Postings by Agencies
Other Agencies with Actions or Authorizations:
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Department of the Army, US Army Corps of Engineers - Regulatory
Environmental Protection Agency
Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
Description:
Revolution Wind LLC proposes the Revolution Wind Farm Project, an offshore wind farm to be located approximately 12 statute miles south of the coast of Rhode Island in federal waters in the area designated by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) as Renewable Energy Lease Number OCS-A 0486 (the Project).
The purpose of the Project is to provide clean, reliable offshore wind energy that will increase the amount and availability of renewable energy to New England consumers while creating the opportunity to displace electricity generated by fossil fuel-powered plants and offering substantial economic and environmental benefits to the New England region. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York have adopted substantial renewable portfolio standards and clean energy targets to address issues associated with climate change, highlighting the current and future demand for this Project.
The Project has been awarded three Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) totaling 704 MW of generation capacity: 1) a 200 MW contract with the State of Connecticut approved in December 2018; 2) a 400 MW contract with the State of Rhode Island approved in February 2019; and 3) a 104 MW contract with the State of Connecticut approved in November 2019. The Project is being developed to fulfill its obligations to Connecticut and Rhode Island in accordance with the PPAs. The Project maximum generating capacity is 880 MW.
Update:
The Executive Director granted a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management request to extend Environmental Impact Statement, Construction and Operations Plan, and Section 106 Consultation completion dates. The Executive Director determination is posted here.
This date reflects no less than 30 days after publishing the final regulations, and no later than 90 days following the issuance of the Record of Decision for the action. NOAA’s ability to meet this schedule is contingent upon the issuance of the final regulations.
This date reflects no less than 30 days after publishing the final regulations, and no later than 90 days following the issuance of the Record of Decision for the action. NOAA’s ability to meet this schedule is contingent upon the issuance of the final regulations.
Original Target Date: 08/01/2023
Milestone: ITA decision rendered (Agency Action)
Requested extensions greater than 30 days for this Action are shown below:
ITA decision rendered (Agency Action) extended by 65
From: 08/01/2023
To: 10/05/2023