MaritimeFedWatch

On October 18, 2019, the U.S. Department of the Interior (Department) agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) issued a clarification of their role in regulating workplace safety and health for offshore renewable energy facilities (other than hydrokinetic projects). In short, the agencies confirmed that they act as the principal federal agencies for regulating and enforcing safety and health requirements for facilities such as offshore wind projects.  

On August 1, 2019, the U.S. Coast Guard published Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) No. 01-19 entitled “Guidance on the Coast Guard’s Roles and Responsibilities for Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI).” This guidance replaces guidance of the same name published March 9, 2007, as NVIC No. 02-07. The Coast Guard plays a leading role in the assessment of the impact an offshore wind farm may have on the U.S. “Marine Transportation System” as defined under federal law.