BOEM Rescinds Regulation on Renewable Energy Lease Sale Schedule

The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently announced a direct final rule that will rescind a section of its regulations pertaining to the renewable energy lease sale schedule. This move signifies a shift in how offshore renewable energy lease sales will be handled moving forward.

Previously, BOEM required the Secretary of the Interior to publish a five-year schedule of anticipated offshore renewable energy lease sales at least every two years. However, after a thorough review, the Department of the Interior has determined that this provision is not required under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. This decision was made in recognition of the need to provide the Secretary with more flexibility in scheduling renewable lease sales.

The direct final rule, which will officially rescind the regulation, is set to be published in the Federal Register on August 5, 2025. This announcement comes on the heels of BOEM’s recent decision to rescind all designated Wind Energy Areas on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.

Implications of the Rule Rescission

By rescinding the regulation that mandated a specific schedule for offshore renewable energy lease sales, BOEM is signaling a shift towards a more flexible and adaptive approach to managing these sales. This change will allow the Secretary of the Interior to exercise greater discretion in determining when and where lease sales will take place, based on current market conditions and other relevant factors.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed this decision, as it is expected to streamline the process for developing renewable energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf. With more flexibility in scheduling lease sales, developers will have greater certainty and predictability, which could lead to increased investment and development in the offshore renewable energy sector.

Looking Ahead

As the direct final rule takes effect and the regulation on the renewable energy lease sale schedule is officially rescinded, stakeholders in the offshore renewable energy industry will be closely monitoring the implications of this decision. The industry is poised for growth, and the removal of this regulatory requirement could pave the way for more innovation and development in the sector.

Overall, BOEM’s decision to rescind the regulation reflects a commitment to fostering a dynamic and responsive regulatory environment that supports the growth of renewable energy on the Outer Continental Shelf.