The U.S. Interior Department designated an area off the coasts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts where developers may build sea-based wind farms.
The department invited energy companies to submit proposals for wind projects in a statement today. It designated similar areas off the coasts of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia in February and plans to offer commercial leases in those places as early as 2012.
Today's call for proposals will determine whether there is competitive interest in the area. If few developers apply, the department will streamline the process to make leasing faster. Interior handles commercial leasing for all energy projects more than 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) offshore.
"By focusing on priority areas with high wind potential and fewer conflicts, and conducting early, coordinated reviews, we can accelerate the leasing process," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in the statement.
The department's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement also will complete an environmental review of the zone and consider alternatives through a public comment process. Any leases awarded to developers will not authorize construction, Interior said in July. Proposed projects would require further site-specific environmental reviews.
