US Defense Department challenged by sites selected for wind development off Atlantic coast

A map created by the US Defense Department that identifies areas off the country’s Atlantic coast earmarked by the Biden administration for wind-energy development and considered an issue for the armed forces has been made public.

According to an article from Bloomberg, four of six potential wind lease areas designated by the Interior Department off the coasts of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware are seen as “highly problematic” for the navy and air force. The other two areas are said to require further study.

An official from the Defense Department said military operations would no longer be possible in the areas if wind turbines are installed. The official also noted, however, that the Pentagon is committed to finding ways to accommodate leasing in the region, by moving military exercises and taking other steps.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), an agency of the Interior Department, said in a statement that it “has a long working relationship” with the Defense Department “and together we have successfully deconflicted and identified areas that have resulted in 27 leases along the Atlantic coast, covering over 2.1m acres. We will continue this collaboration as we seek to identify new lease areas in the central Atlantic.”