The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a comprehensive review of U.S. offshore wind energy development, highlighting both potential benefits and concerns surrounding climate and public health, marine life and ecosystems, fishing industry, economic and community, tribal resources, defense and radar systems, and maritime navigation and safety impacts. The GAO determined that the extent of some impacts is unknown, including long-term and cumulative impacts. The GAO made five recommendations to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), focusing on improving tribal consultation and incorporating of Indigenous knowledge, fishing industry input consideration, communication planning, and regional oversight resources, particularly in the North Atlantic region where construction on some offshore wind projects is already underway. More information can be found here.
