Offshore Wind Wire

Massachusetts will publicly release the final draft of the highly anticipated Ocean Management Plan early next week, according to state officials. The Plan, touted by officials as the first of its kind in the nation, will zone state waters for large-scale offshore wind development.

The Massachusetts Oceans Act required Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles to submit a final draft of the Plan no later than Dec. 31. The agency plans to publicly distribute the Plan on Monday, Jan. 4, according to Kate Plourd, EEA assistant press secretary.

The draft ocean plan identified two proposed Wind Energy Areas southwest of the Elizabeth Islands and near the southern end of Nomans Land Island. Under the draft Plan, each Wind Energy Area could be used as the location for a large-scale commercial wind farm.

The draft, released during the summer, was met by criticism from several groups. Let Vineyarders Decide was formed on Martha’s Vineyard to block the Ocean Plan. The organization has advocated for the Martha’s Vineyard Commission to retain regulatory control over any developments in their waters.

On the other side of the issue, the Conversation Law Foundation has expressed concern over Bowles’ promise that the final Plan will delegate some offshore wind permitting to local regulatory bodies. The CLF argued that delegation of permitting is not allowed by the enabling legislation and will effectively block offshore wind development. The CLF said that an effective plan would need comprehensive state regulation instead of piecemeal oversight by jurisdiction. Additionally, the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service asked for more data on the impact of potential development on migratory animals.

One of the most anticipated questions to be answered Monday is whether Bowles will heed the CLF’s legal warning, or follow through on his promise for more local control. One thing, however, is certain: the disparity in positions between the two groups ensures that one will be disappointed.