According to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the US Coast Guard may serve as a Cooperating Agency to the Lead Agency responsible for issuing permits to build Offshore Renewable Energy Installations (OREI).
These installations include wind turbines, wave power devices, and ocean current energy systems.
Under this capacity, USCG provides the Lead Agency an evaluation of the possible impacts the suggested OREI may have on the Marine Transportation System, safety of navigation, the traditional uses of the waterway, and on the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct its 11 statutory missions.
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The Director of Marine Transportation Systems for the US Coast Guard, Mr. Mike Emerson, signed Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 01-19 on Aug. 1, 2019, to provide guidance on information and factors the US Coast Guard will consider when reviewing an application for a permit to build and operate an OREI.
This NVIC will help the US Coast Guard in providing input to the Lead Agency for environmental review and decision-making purposes.
What is more, USCG published a circular providing guidance to members of industry, port safety and security stakeholders, and the public on the US Coast Guard’s role and responsibilities in the OREI application process.
View more details herebelow
