Update (11/28/23): The area map and draft operating agreement for Cajun Wind is now available on the DNR website and has been added to this post below.
The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Office of Mineral Resources has scheduled three public hearings (two in Southeast Louisiana and one in Southwest Louisiana) to solicit feedback on proposed operating agreements for wind projects in Louisiana state waters off the coasts of Lafourche/Terrebonne and Cameron Parish on November 27 and November 29.
Comments can be submitted in person at the hearings or submitted via email no later than December 11, 2023 to OMR@la.gov.
Be sure to reference Docket numbers in your comments.
LAFOURCHE/TERREBONNE PARISH
November 27, 2023: Hearing on DOW LA Gulf Wind Operating Agreement
12:30 PM at the Lafourche Parish Public Library (705 W 5th St, Thibodaux) and
5:00 PM at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library (151 Library Dr, Houma)
For comments, reference Docket No. OMR 23-03
CAMERON PARISH
November 29, 2023: Hearing on Cajun Wind Operating Agreement
1:30 PM at the Cameron Parish Police Jury West Annex Building (148 Smith Circle, Cameron)
For comments, reference Docket No. OMR 23-04
Louisiana Wildlife Federation will be attending the meetings and will be submitting comments.
Below are the maps of the proposed areas for both projects:
Louisiana Wildlife Federation has been monitoring the progression of discussions of potential offshore wind development in both state waters (0-3 nautical miles off Louisiana’s coast) and federal waters (3 nm-200 nm). While LWF has passed a resolution urging the responsible development of offshore wind in federal waters, we have serious concerns about whether offshore wind in state waters can meet the criteria of responsible development, particularly under the current permitting regime, which lacks a robust environmental analysis and comprehensive siting process.
Responsible offshore wind development (i) follows the mitigation hierarchy to first avoid, then minimize, mitigate, and monitors adverse impacts on marine and coastal habitats and the wildlife that rely on them, (ii) meaningfully engages state and local governments and stakeholders from the outset, (iii) uses the best available scientific and technological data to ensure science-based and stakeholder-informed decision making, and (iv) is adaptable by incorporating technological advances as they become available.
LWF will continue to monitor this issue and keep you updated on opportunities to voice your opinions.
Note: There will also be an opportunity to provide public comments at the next State Mineral & Energy Board meeting in person on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the LaSalle Office Building, LaBelle Hearing Room, 1st floor (meetings are from 9:30am-12:00pm). These meetings are not streamed online so you must attend in person if interested. Comments on this date will only be accepted orally or in writing at the meeting in person (no emailed comments will be accepted on this date).
Resources
LWF positions
Information regarding operating agreements
- Public Hearing Notice for DOW LA Gulf Wind
- Draft DOW LA Gulf Wind Operating Agreement
- Public Hearing Notice for Cajun Wind
- Draft Cajun Wind Operating Agreement
- Office of Mineral Resources website
- Notices can be found under “Special Notices Regarding Wind Energy on State Owned Lands”
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