Tag Archives: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Salazar Announced Onshore, Offshore Wind Energy Milestones


3,000 megawatt Wyoming wind energy project and Rhode Island, Massachusetts Wind Energy Area take key steps forward

07/02/2012

Contact: Adam Fetcher (DOI) 202-208-6416

Theresa Eisenman (BOEM) 202-208-5387

Serena Baker (BLM) 307-212-0197

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to developing the nation’s vast renewable energy resources, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that two major wind energy initiatives have completed important environmental reviews, clearing the way for public comment and final review.

Onshore, Salazar announced the release of final environmental impact statements for a proposed wind power complex in Wyoming that would generate up to 3,000 megawatts of power, making it the largest wind farm facility in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world.

Offshore, Salazar announced the publication of an environmental assessment for commercial wind leases and site assessment activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Today’s step puts Interior in position to offer this area as one of the nation’s first offshore competitive lease sales before the end of the year.

“When it comes to wind energy, we’re making significant progress both onshore and offshore to diversify our nation’s domestic energy portfolio and stand up a clean energy economy,” Salazar said. “Today, as we take the next steps toward realizing what could be the largest wind energy project in the world and holding a competitive offshore wind lease sale, we are really at the forefront of a renewable energy revolution.”

The proposed Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Farm would contain up to 1,000 turbines and generate enough power for up to 1 million American homes. The project would be built on public, private and state land in Carbon County, Wyoming. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is reviewing the proposed wind project, as well as a proposed amendment to the Rawlins Resource Management Plan to accommodate the facility. For more information on the proposed project, click here and for a map, click here.

“Wyoming has incredible wind resources and this proposed wind energy project has potential to generate jobs and bring a record amount of clean power to market throughout the West,” said Acting BLM Director Mike Pool. “We look forward to hearing from the public as we work to ensure that this proposal, if approved, would be built in the right way and in the right place to minimize environmental impacts.”

The proposed wind energy project is under consideration as part of Interior’s initiative to advance smart development of renewable energy on public lands. Since 2009, Interior has approved 31 utility-scale wind, solar, and geothermal projects that, if built by the companies, will provide approximately 7,200 megawatts of power to communities across the West, or enough to power nearly 2.5 million homes. These achievements build on the historic expansion of renewable energy under President Obama, with energy from sources like wind and solar doubling since the President took office.

The environmental assessment for the Rhode Island/Massachusetts Wind Energy Area will be used by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to inform future leasing decisions as part of the Administration’s “Smart from the Start” offshore wind energy initiative. The Wind Energy Area (WEA) comprises approximately 164,750 acres within the area of mutual interest identified by the two states. BOEM leadership will host public information sessions on July 16 and 17 to further engage stakeholders and consider public comments on the environmental assessment in determining whether to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact, or conduct additional analysis under NEPA in order to hold a lease sale for commercial offshore wind development. For more information, click here.

“This environmental assessment is the first of its kind in the northeast and is based on thorough scientific and technical analysis and substantial stakeholder input to identify the most suitable location for commercial wind energy activities in this area offshore Rhode Island and Massachusetts,” said BOEM Director Tommy Beaudreau. “We will continue to seek public participation in our process, including comments on this environmental assessment as we move forward with an innovative, targeted leasing approach to offshore wind.”

In November 2010, Salazar launched the “Smart from the Start” wind energy initiative for the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf to facilitate the siting, leasing and construction of new projects. A critical piece of the strategy includes the identification of Wind Energy Areas, done in consultation with BOEM’s intergovernmental renewable energy task forces and other federal agencies, and the development of the environmental assessment to simplify the leasing process.

Salazar launched the competitive leasing process for the Rhode Island/Massachusetts Wind Energy Area with a Call for Information and Nominations in August 2011 that invited developers to identify locations within the area of mutual interest in which they seek commercial leases for wind projects.

Black History

Congress: the Republican led House … the Senate – S.3240,Farm bill & S.1940,Flood Ins bill


the Senate Convenes: 10:30amET June 21, 2012

  • Following the prayer and pledge, the Majority Leader will be recognized.
  • Following the remarks of the two Leaders, the time until 11:00am will be equally divided and controlled.
  • At 11:00am, the Senate will resume consideration of S.3240, the Farm bill and the votes on the remaining amendments to the bill.
  • Therefore, Senators should expect the following series of roll call votes at approximately 11:00am:
  • Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1940, the Flood Insurance bill.

11:09am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Boxer #2456 (aerial inspections) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 47-48

Senators should expect a series of up to 10 roll call votes beginning at 11am today. The possible votes can be found below. Senators Murray and McCain are working on a compromise sequestration amendment that we hope to consider by voice vote.

Yesterday Senator Reid filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1940, the Flood Insurance extension. We are working on an agreement with respect to that bill. If we are unable to reach an agreement to consider amendments, we would have to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to Flood Insurance. That vote is scheduled for tomorrow, however, we are working on an agreement to move the vote to today.

11:00am Votes:

–          Boxer #2456 (aerial inspections) (60-vote threshold)

–          Johanns #2372 (aerial inspections) (60-vote threshold)

–          Toomey #2247 (paperwork)(60-vote threshold)

–          Sanders #2310 (genetically engineered food) (60-vote threshold)

–          Coburn #2214 (convention funding) (60-vote threshold)

–          Murray #2455 (sequestration) (60-vote threshold)

–          McCain #2162 (sequestration report-DOD) (60-vote threshold)

–          Rubio #2166 (RAISE Act) (60-vote threshold)

–          Passage of S.3240, the Farm bill, as amended (60-vote threshold)

–          Cloture on the motion to proceed to 1940, Flood Insurance Extension Act

11:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on on Johanns amendment #2372 (aerial inspections) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 56-43

11:55am The Senate began a roll call vote on Toomey amendment #2247 (water report notification) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 58-41

12:36pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Sanders amendment #2310 (genetically engineered food) (60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 26-73

12:58pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Coburn amendment #2214 (convention funding)(60-vote thresold); Agreed to: 95-4

The following amendments have been considered to S.3240, the Farm bill:

1:25pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the Rubio amendment #2166 (RAISE Act)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed to: 45-54

By consent, the cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S.1940, Flood Insurance, will occur upon disposition of the Farm bill. Further, it is in order for the Majority Leader to lay before the body the House Message with respect to S.3187, the FDA Safety and Innovation Act.

1:25pm The Senate began a roll call vote on Rubio amendment #2166 (RAISE Act) (60-vote threshold).

On deck:

–          Passage of S.3240, the Farm bill, as amended (60-vote threshold)

–          Cloture on the motion to proceed to 1940, Flood Insurance Extension Act.

1:50pm The Senate began a roll call vote on passage of S.3240, the Farm bill, as amended; Passed: 64-35

2:08pm The Senate began a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1940, the Flood Insurance bill; Invoked: 96-2

Today Senator Reid moved to concur in the House amendment to S.3187, the FDA Safety and Innovation Act, and filed cloture on the motion to concur.

At 5:30pm on Monday, June 25, the Senate will proceed to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S.3187, the FDA Safety and Innovation Act.

At 11:00am on Tuesday, June 26, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Executive Calendar #652, the nomination of Robin Rosenbaum, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.  There will be 30 minutes for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination. Senators should expect the vote to begin at approximately noon on Tuesday.

By unanimous consent, on Monday, June 25, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, but no later than 5:30pm, the motion to proceed to S.1940 will be agreed to.

WRAP UP

ROLL CALL VOTES

1)      Boxer amendment #2456 (aerial inspections)(60-vote threshold) to S.3240, the Farm bill; Not Agreed To: 47-48

2)      Johanns amendment #2372 (aerial inspections)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 56-43

3)      Toomey amendment #2247 (water notifications)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 58-41

4)      Sanders amendment #2310 (genetically engineered food)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 26-73

5)      Coburn amendment #2214 (convention funding)(60-vote threshold); Agreed To: 95-4

6)      Rubio amendment #2166 (RAISE Act)(60-vote threshold); Not Agreed To: 45-54

7)      Passage  of S.3240, the Farm bill, as amended (60-vote threshold); Passed: 64-35

8)      Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1940, Flood Insurance Extension Act; Invoked: 96-2

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Discharged the Banking Committee and passed H.R.33, the Church Plan Investment Clarification Act.

Discharged the Judiciary Committee and adopted S.Res.471, commending the efforts of the women of the American Red Cross Clubmobiles for exemplary service during the Second World War with a Collins amendment.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed the following:

And all nominations placed on the Secretary’s desk in the Air Force, Army, Foreign Service, Marine Corps, and Navy.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Executive Calendar #779 William B. Pollard, III, of New York, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Military Commission Review. (New Position)

Executive Calendar #780 Scott L. Silliman, of North Carolina, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Military Commission Review. (New Position)

AIR FORCE

Executive Calendar #781 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Michael R. Moeller

Executive Calendar #782 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Mark F. Ramsay

Executive Calendar #783 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. Thomas W. Travis

Executive Calendar #784 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew

Executive Calendar #785 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Stanley T. Kresge

ARMY

Executive Calendar #786 to be Major General: Brigadier General Edward M. Reeder, Jr.

Executive Calendar #787 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. John F. Mulholland, Jr.

Executive Calendar #788 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett, III

Executive Calendar #789 to be Lieutenant General: Lt. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg

Executive Calendar #790 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. James L. Huggins, Jr.

Executive Calendar #791 to be Brigadier General: Col. Barry D. Keeling

Executive Calendar #792 to be Brigadier General: Col. Joseph E. Rooney

NAVY

Executive Calendar #793 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Janet R. Donovan

Executive Calendar #794 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Barbara W. Sweredoski

Executive Calendar #795 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Kirby D. Miller

Executive Calendar #796 to be Rear Admiral (Lower Half):

Captain Michael J. Dumont

Captain Robert L. Greene

Captain Lawrence B. Jackson

Captain Scott B. J. Jerabek

Executive Calendar #797 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) Clinton F. Faison, III

Executive Calendar #798 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) Jonathan A. Yuen

Executive Calendar #799 to be Rear Admiral:

Rear Adm. (lh) Katherine L. Gregory

Rear Adm. (lh) Kevin R. Slates

Executive Calendar #800 to be Rear Admiral:

Rear Adm. (lh) Sandy L. Daniels

Rear Adm. (lh) John E. Jolliffe

Rear Adm. (lh) Christopher J. Paul

Executive Calendar #801 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) Bruce A. Doll

Executive Calendar #802 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) David G. Russell

Executive Calendar #803 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) Elizabeth L. Train

Executive Calendar #804 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) Richard D. Berkey

Executive Calendar #805 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Douglas G. Morton

Executive Calendar #806 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Terry J. Moulton

Executive Calendar #807 to be Rear Admiral (lower half):

Capt. David R. Pimpo

Capt. Donald L. Singleton

Executive Calendar #808 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Paul A. Sohl

Executive Calendar #809 to be Rear Admiral (lower half): Capt. Bruce F. Loveless

Executive Calendar #810 to be Rear Admiral (lower half)

Capt. Brian K. Antonio

Capt. Luther B. Fuller, III

Executive Calendar #811 to be Vice Admiral: Rear Adm. Robin R. Braun

Executive Calendar #812 to be Vice Admiral: Rear Adm. Paul J. Bushong

Executive Calendar #813 to be Rear Admiral: Rear Adm. (lh) James W. Crawford, III

Executive Calendar #814 to be Vice Admiral: Rear Adm. Nanette M. DeRenzi

Executive Calendar #815 to be Vice Admiral: Rear Adm. Michael J. Connor

MARINE CORPS

Executive Calendar #816 to be Brigadier General:

Colonel Edward D. Banta

Colonel Matthew G. Glavy

Colonel William F. Mullen, III

Colonel Gregg P. Olson

Colonel James S. O’Meara

Colonel Eric M. Smith

Executive Calendar #817 to be Lieutenant General: Maj. Gen. (Select) William M. Faulkner

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working out a html issue with House site

sorry for the extra characters … the once copy and paste easy Rs site is now html complicated … will solve that asap