[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 122 (Friday, June 24, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41335-41342]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-14830]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

[Docket No. BOEM-2016-0036]; [MMAA104000]


Commercial Leasing for Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf 
Offshore the Island of Oahu, Hawaii--Call for Information and 
Nominations (Call)

AGENCY: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), Interior.

ACTION: Call for Information and Nominations for Commercial Leasing for 
Wind Power on the Outer Continental Shelf, Offshore the Island of Oahu, 
Hawaii.

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SUMMARY: With this Call for Information and Nominations (Call), BOEM 
invites the submission of information and nominations from parties 
interested in obtaining one or more commercial wind energy leases that 
would allow lessees to propose the construction of wind energy projects 
on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) \1\ offshore the island of Oahu, 
Hawaii. In general, the OCS is defined as 3--200 nautical miles from 
shore. Although this announcement is not itself a leasing announcement, 
the area described herein as the ``Oahu Call Area,'' or portions 
thereof, may be made available for future leasing. BOEM will use 
responses to this Call to gauge specific interest in acquiring 
commercial wind leases in some or all of the Oahu Call Area, as 
required by 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3).
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    \1\ As defined in 43 U.S.C. 1331(a), the term OCS means ``all 
submerged lands lying seaward and outside of the area of lands 
beneath navigable waters, as defined in section 1301 of this title, 
and of which the subsoil and seabed appertain to the United States 
and are subject to its jurisdiction and control.''
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    Parties wishing to submit a nomination in response to this Call 
should submit detailed and specific information as described in the 
section entitled, ``Required Nomination Information.'' A ``nomination'' 
for purpose of this Call would be a submission from a company 
interested in a commercial wind energy lease within the Oahu Call Area.
    This announcement also requests comments and information from 
interested and affected parties about site conditions, resources, and 
existing uses within or in close proximity to the Oahu Call Area that 
would be relevant to BOEM's review of any nominations submitted and/or 
to BOEM's subsequent decision to offer all or part of the Oahu Call 
Area for commercial wind leasing. The information BOEM is requesting is 
described in the section of this Call entitled, ``Requested Information 
from Interested or Affected Parties.''
    This Call is published pursuant to subsection 8(p)(3) of the OCS 
Lands Act (OCSLA), 43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3), as well as the implementing 
regulations at 30 CFR part 585.
    The Oahu Call Area described in this notice is located on the OCS 
offshore the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The Oahu Call Area consists of two 
subareas, the area to the north of Oahu (``Oahu North'') and the area 
to the south of Oahu (``Oahu South''). Oahu North is approximately 7 to 
24 nautical miles Northwest of Kaena Point and consists of 17 full and 
20 partial OCS blocks. Oahu South is approximately 7 to 35 nautical 
miles South of Diamond Head and consists of 44 full and 32 partial OCS 
blocks. In total, the Oahu Call Area consists of the sum of these two 
subareas, totaling 61 full and 52 partial OCS blocks. A detailed 
description of the area and how it was developed is described in the 
section of this Call entitled, ``Description of the Oahu Call Area.''

DATES: BOEM must receive nominations describing your interest within 
the Oahu Call Area by a postmarked date of August 8, 2016 for your 
nomination to be considered. BOEM will consider only those nominations 
received by August 8, 2016. BOEM requests comments or other submissions 
of information by this same date. Parties having already submitted 
unsolicited lease requests prior to this publication do not need to 
resubmit the areas previously requested in their unsolicited lease 
requests. However, such parties may submit modifications to the areas 
they are requesting for lease during the comment period associated with 
this notice. Such modifications must conform to the first requirement 
of the section in this Call entitled, ``Required Nomination 
Information.''
    Submission Procedures: If you are submitting a nomination for a 
lease in response to this Call, you must submit your nomination to the 
following address: BOEM, Pacific OCS Region, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 
102 (CM 102), Camarillo, California 93010. A paper copy submitted to 
this address, postmarked by the deadline noted above, is the only 
method for submitting

[[Page 41336]]

a nomination that BOEM will accept. In addition to a paper copy of the 
nomination, you must include an electronic copy of the nomination on a 
data storage device. BOEM will list the parties who submitted 
nominations and the location of the proposed lease areas (i.e., OCS 
blocks nominated) on the BOEM Web site after the 45-day comment period 
has closed.
    Comments and other submissions of information may be submitted by 
either of the following two methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the 
entry entitled, ``Enter Keyword or ID,'' enter BOEM-2016-0036, and then 
click ``search.'' Follow the instructions to submit public comments and 
view supporting and related materials available for this notice.
    2. U.S. Postal Service or other delivery service. Send your 
comments and information to the following address: Bureau of Ocean 
Energy Management, Pacific OCS Region, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102 
(CM 102), Camarillo, California 93010.
    All responses will be reported on http://www.regulations.gov. If 
you wish to protect the confidentiality of your nomination or comment, 
clearly mark the relevant sections and request that BOEM treat them as 
confidential. Please label privileged or confidential information that 
you consider privileged or confidential with the notation ``Contains 
Confidential Information,'' and consider submitting such information as 
a separate attachment. Treatment of confidential information is 
addressed in the section of this Call entitled, ``Protection of 
Privileged or Confidential Information.'' Information that is not 
labeled as privileged or confidential will be regarded by BOEM as 
suitable for public release.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Karen Herrera, BOEM, Pacific OCS 
Region, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102 (CM 102), Camarillo, California, 
93010, (805) 384-6263 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Purpose of the Call for Information and Nominations

    The OCS Lands Act requires BOEM to award leases competitively, 
unless BOEM makes a determination that there is no competitive interest 
(43 U.S.C. 1337(p)(3)). One of the purposes of this notice is to inform 
the public that, based on the submittal of several unsolicited lease 
requests, BOEM has determined that there may be competitive interest in 
developing all or portions of the Oahu Call Area. Descriptions of the 
unsolicited lease requests submitted are provided in the section of 
this notice entitled, ``Existing Unsolicited Lease Requests Offshore 
Oahu.'' With this Call, BOEM is also soliciting new expressions of 
interest in obtaining a lease in the Oahu Call Area.
    This Call also requests information from interested and affected 
parties on issues relevant to BOEM's review of nominations for 
potential leasing in the Oahu Call Area. A lease, whether issued 
through a competitive or noncompetitive process, would give the lessee 
the exclusive right to subsequently seek BOEM approval for the 
development of wind energy in the lease area. A lease does not grant 
the lessee the right to construct any facilities; rather, the lease 
grants the lessee the right to submit to BOEM a Site Assessment Plan 
(SAP) and Construction and Operations Plan (COP), which BOEM must 
approve before the lessee may conduct the proposed activities in the 
lease area (30 CFR 585.600 and 585.601).
    Although BOEM believes that competitive interest may exist for the 
Oahu Call Area, a formal determination will be made after the close of 
the comment period provided in this Call. Depending on the input 
received during the comment period for the Call, BOEM may proceed with 
the competitive leasing process as set forth in 30 CFR 585.211 through 
585.225; or the noncompetitive leasing process as set forth in 30 CFR 
585.231 and 232; or a combination of the two. For instance, BOEM may 
determine that there is no competitive interest in Oahu North and that 
there is competitive interest in Oahu South. In this case, BOEM could 
proceed with the noncompetitive leasing process for Oahu North and the 
competitive leasing process for Oahu South. These processes are 
explained in detail in the section of this notice entitled, ``BOEM's 
Planning and Leasing Process.''
    Regardless of whether the leasing process is competitive, 
noncompetitive, or both, it will include subsequent opportunities for 
the public to provide input, and any proposed actions will be reviewed 
thoroughly for potential environmental impacts and multiple use/
planning consequences. For example, the Department of Defense (DOD) 
conducts operations and readiness activities for both hardware and 
personnel on the OCS. BOEM will consult with the DOD regarding 
potential issues concerning offshore testing, training and operational 
activities, and will develop appropriate stipulations to avoid or 
mitigate conflicts with DOD in the Call Areas. The final area(s) that 
may be offered for lease, if any, has not yet been determined, and may 
differ from the Oahu Call Area as identified in this Call.

Background

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct)

    EPAct amended OCSLA to authorize the Secretary of the Interior 
(Secretary) to grant leases, easements, or rights-of-way (ROWs) on the 
OCS for activities that are not otherwise authorized by law and produce 
or support the production, transportation, or transmission of energy 
from sources other than oil or gas. Subsection 8(p) requires the 
Secretary to issue regulations to carry out the new energy development 
authority on the OCS. The Secretary delegated this authority to issue 
leases, easements, and ROWs, and to promulgate associated regulations, 
to the Director of BOEM. On April 29, 2009, BOEM issued the Renewable 
Energy and Alternate Uses of Existing Facilities on the OCS rule, 30 
CFR part 585, which can be found at: http://www.boem.gov/uploadedFiles/30_CFR_585.pdf.

Executive Order 13547: Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the 
Great Lakes

    On July 19, 2010, the President signed Executive Order 13547 
(Order) establishing a national ocean policy and the National Ocean 
Council (75 FR 43023). The Order establishes a comprehensive, 
integrated national policy for the stewardship of the ocean, our 
coasts, and the Great Lakes. Where BOEM actions affect the ocean or 
coast, the Order requires BOEM to take such action as necessary to 
implement this policy, the stewardship principles and national priority 
objectives adopted by the Order, with guidance from the National Ocean 
Council. BOEM appreciates the importance of coordinating its planning 
endeavors with other OCS users and regulators and relevant Federal 
agencies (e.g., the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the 
National Park Service (NPS), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), among others) 
and intends to follow principles of marine planning and coordinate with 
the Pacific Islands Regional Planning Body established by the National 
Ocean Council.

BOEM Hawaii Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force

    BOEM established a Hawaii Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task 
Force (Task Force) in 2011, to facilitate coordination among relevant 
Federal agencies and affected state and

[[Page 41337]]

local governments throughout the leasing process. The Task Force 
supports the review of requests for commercial and research leases and 
rights-of-way grants for power cables on the Federal OCS, and provides 
public information on renewable energy developments proposed within 
Federal OCS waters offshore of Hawaii coastlines. The Task Force 
meeting materials are available on the BOEM Web site at: http://www.boem.gov/Hawaii/.

Actions Taken by the State of Hawaii in Support of Renewable Energy 
Development

Establishing Renewable Portfolio Standards

    The State of Hawaii established a renewable portfolio goal in 2001. 
This goal was replaced with an enforceable renewable portfolio standard 
(RPS) through Act 95 in 2004. In 2009, Act 155 increased the RPS to 40 
percent by 2040. Finally, in 2015, State of Hawaii Governor David Ige 
signed into law Act 97, which directs the state's utilities to generate 
100 percent of their electricity sales from renewable energy resources 
by 2045. As the most oil dependent state in the nation, Hawaii's 
transition to renewable resources for power generation will improve 
Hawaii's economy, environment and energy security.

Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative

    In 2008, the State of Hawaii, in partnership with the U.S. 
Department of Energy, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to 
accomplish the goal of transforming Hawaii's energy economy from one 
largely dependent on imported fossil fuels to one using only renewable 
energy. This MOU established the foundation for the Hawaii Clean Energy 
Initiative (HCEI). In 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy renewed its 
long-term partnership with the State of Hawaii, in HCEI 2.0, and 
committed to assisting Hawaii in exceeding the state's renewable energy 
goals by working in collaboration with energy leaders, partners and 
stakeholders to address Hawaii's unique energy challenges. To learn 
more about the HCEI, see: http://www.hawaiicleanenergyinitiative.org/.

Existing Unsolicited Lease Requests Offshore Oahu

    On January 22, 2015, BOEM received two lease requests from AW 
Hawaii Wind, LLC (AW Hawaii). On October 8, 2015, BOEM received a lease 
request from Progression Hawaii Offshore Wind, Inc. (Progression). BOEM 
has determined that both potential developers are legally, technically, 
and financially qualified to hold a renewable energy lease under 30 CFR 
585.106 and 107.

AW Hawaii Oahu Northwest Project

    AW Hawaii proposes to lease an area northwest of Oahu (``Oahu 
Northwest Project''). The proposed Oahu Northwest Project consists of 
the development of a floating offshore wind facility with an 
approximate nameplate capacity of 400 megawatts (MW) of renewable 
energy generation. The area included in the lease request consists of 
10 partial OCS blocks (encompassing 32 sub-blocks in total) comprising 
approximately 13.4 square nmi (4,608 hectares). A map of the AW Hawaii 
Oahu Northwest Project is available on the BOEM Web site at: http://www.boem.gov/AWH-Northwest-Proposed-Map/.

AW Hawaii Oahu South Project

    AW Hawaii also proposes to lease an area south of Oahu (``Oahu 
South Project''). The proposed Oahu South Project consists of the 
development of a floating offshore wind facility with an approximate 
nameplate capacity of 400 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy 
generation. The area included in the lease request consists of 10 
partial OCS blocks (encompassing 34 sub-blocks in total) comprising 
approximately 14.27 square nmi (4,896 hectares). A map of the AW Hawaii 
Oahu South Project is available on the BOEM Web site at: http://www.boem.gov/AWH-South-Proposed-Map/.

Progression Lease Request

    Progression submitted an unsolicited lease request proposing to 
lease an area on the OCS south of Oahu's coast (``South Coast of Oahu 
Project''), but distinct from the area requested for lease by AW Hawaii 
in its Oahu South Project. Progression's South Coast of Oahu Project 
consists of a floating offshore wind facility with an approximate 
nameplate capacity of 400 MW of renewable energy. The lease request 
includes 7 full and 12 partial OCS blocks (encompassing 218 sub-blocks 
in total) comprising approximately 91.5 square nmi (31,392 hectares). A 
map of the South Coast of Oahu Project is available on the BOEM Web 
site at: http://www.boem.gov/Progression-Proposed-Project-Area-Map/.

BOEM's Planning and Leasing Process

    Depending on the input received in response to this Call, BOEM will 
proceed with the competitive leasing process, the noncompetitive 
leasing process, or a combination of the two.

I. Competitive Leasing Process

    If, after receiving nominations in response to this Call, BOEM 
determines competitive interest exists in all or a portion of the Oahu 
Call Area, it would follow the steps required by 30 CFR 585.211 through 
585.225, as outlined below.
    (1) Area Identification: BOEM will identify areas for environmental 
analysis and consideration for leasing in consultation with appropriate 
Federal agencies, states, local governments, and other interested 
parties. BOEM will consider comments and nominations made in response 
to this Call with respect to areas and issues that should receive 
consideration and analysis, including but not limited to: areas with 
unique geological conditions, archeological sites, and other uses of 
the OCS. The environmental analysis will detail the potential effect of 
leasing (primarily site characterization surveys and wind resource 
assessment) on the human, marine, and coastal environments, and BOEM 
will develop measures to mitigate adverse impacts, including lease 
stipulations and conditions. BOEM will comply with the requirements of 
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Coastal Zone 
Management Act (CZMA), and other applicable Federal statutes as they 
apply to its decision to issue one or more leases in the Oahu Call 
Area.
    (2) Proposed Sale Notice: If BOEM decides to proceed with 
competitive leasing after conducting its Area Identification analysis 
and completing the necessary environmental reviews, it will publish a 
Proposed Sale Notice (PSN) in the Federal Register with a comment 
period of 60 days and send the PSN to the necessary parties pursuant to 
30 CFR 585.211. The PSN will describe the area(s) that may be offered 
for leasing and the proposed terms and conditions of the potential 
lease sale, including the proposed auction format, lease form, and 
lease provisions. Additionally, the PSN will describe the proposed 
criteria and process for evaluating bids.
    (3) Final Sale Notice: If BOEM decides to proceed with a lease sale 
after considering comments received in response to the PSN, it will 
publish the Final Sale Notice (FSN) in the Federal Register at least 30 
days before the date of the sale. BOEM will publish the criteria for 
winning bid determinations in the FSN.
    (4) Bid Submission and Evaluation: Following publication of the FSN 
in the Federal Register, BOEM would offer the

[[Page 41338]]

lease(s) through a competitive auction process, using the procedures 
specified in the FSN. The conduct of the sale, including bids and bid 
deposits, if applicable, would be reviewed for technical and legal 
adequacy. BOEM would ensure bidders have complied with all applicable 
regulations and the terms of the FSN. BOEM reserves the right to reject 
any or all bids, as well as the right to withdraw a lease area from the 
sale.
    (5) Issuance of a Lease: Following the selection of a winning bid 
or bids by BOEM, the submitter(s) is/are notified of the decision and 
provided a set of official lease documents for execution. The 
successful bidder(s) will be required to execute the lease, pay the 
remainder of the bonus bid, if applicable, and file the required 
financial assurance within 10 business days of receiving the lease 
documents. Upon receipt of the required payments, financial assurance, 
and properly executed lease forms, BOEM would issue a lease to the 
successful bidder(s).

II. Noncompetitive Leasing Process

    BOEM's noncompetitive leasing process would include the following 
steps:
    (1) Determination of No Competitive Interest: If, after evaluating 
all relevant information, including responses to this Call, BOEM 
determines there is no competitive interest in all or a portion of the 
Oahu Call Area, it may proceed with the noncompetitive lease issuance 
process pursuant to 30 CFR 585.231 and 232. BOEM would ask if the sole 
respondent who nominated a particular area wants to proceed with 
acquiring the lease; if so, the respondent would be required to submit 
an acquisition fee as specified in 30 CFR 585.502(a). After receiving 
the acquisition fee, BOEM would follow the process outlined in 30 CFR 
585.231(d) through (i), which would include the publication of a 
Determination of No Competitive Interest in the Federal Register.
    (2) Review of Lease Request: BOEM would comply with the relevant 
requirements of NEPA, the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), 
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), National Historic Preservation 
Act (NHPA), and other applicable Federal statutes before issuing a 
lease noncompetitively. Further, BOEM would coordinate and consult, as 
appropriate, with relevant Federal agencies, other affected or 
interested parties, and affected state and local governments in 
formulating lease terms, conditions, and stipulations.
    (3) Lease Issuance: After completing its review of the lease 
request, BOEM may offer the lease.

Environmental Review Process

    BOEM intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) pursuant 
to NEPA, which will consider the environmental impacts associated with 
issuing commercial wind leases and approving site assessment activities 
on those leases within some or all of the Oahu Call Area. BOEM is 
publishing, concurrently with this Call, a Notice of Intent (NOI) to 
prepare an EA, which seeks public input in identifying the 
environmental issues and reasonable alternatives to be considered in 
the EA to inform our leasing decision.
    The EA will consider the environmental impacts associated with 
leasing and site characterization scenarios (including geophysical, 
geotechnical, archaeological, and biological surveys) and site 
assessment scenarios (including the installation and operation of 
meteorological towers and/or buoys) within the Oahu Call Area. The NOI 
also solicits information pertaining to impacts to historic properties, 
which include historic districts, archaeological sites, and National 
Historic Landmarks. It is important to note that the environmental 
effects of the construction or operation of any wind energy facility 
would not be within the scope of this environmental review process, but 
rather would be considered under a separate, subsequent, project-
specific NEPA analysis after a Construction and Operations Plan (COP) 
is submitted.
    Several consultations may be conducted concurrently with, and 
integrated into, the NEPA process. These consultations include, but are 
not limited to, those required by the CZMA, ESA, the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and Section 106 of the NHPA. 
The NOI can be found at: http://www.boem.gov/hawaii/.
    In the event a lease is issued and the lessee subsequently submits 
a Site Assessment Plan (SAP) pursuant to 30 CFR 585.605-618, BOEM would 
then determine whether the EA adequately considers the environmental 
impacts of the activities proposed in the lessee's SAP. If BOEM 
determines the analysis in the EA adequately considers these impacts, 
then no further NEPA analysis would be required before BOEM makes a 
decision on the SAP. If, on the other hand, BOEM determines the 
analysis in the EA is inadequate for that purpose, BOEM would conduct 
additional NEPA analysis before making a decision on the SAP. In either 
case, after the completion of any necessary environmental reviews, BOEM 
would make a decision to approve, approve with modifications, or 
disapprove the SAP.
    Once a lessee is prepared to propose a wind energy generation 
facility on its lease, it would submit a Construction and Operations 
Plan (COP). BOEM then would prepare a separate site- and project-
specific NEPA analysis of the proposed project. This analysis would 
likely take the form of an Environmental Impact Statement, and would 
provide stakeholders with comprehensive information regarding the 
environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the proposed 
facilities. This analysis would inform BOEM's decision to approve, 
approve with modification, or disapprove a lessee's COP pursuant to 30 
CFR 585.628. This NEPA process also would provide additional 
opportunities for public involvement.

Description of the Oahu Call Area

    The Oahu Call Area consists of two OCS sub-areas. Oahu North is 
located approximately 7-24 nmi west of Kaena Point, Oahu. Oahu South is 
located approximately 7-35 nmi south of Barbers Point, Oahu. BOEM may 
adjust this potential leasing area in response to comment submissions 
and information received in response to this Call and the associated 
NOI, described above in the section entitled, ``Environmental Review 
Process.''

Map of the Oahu Call Area

    A map of the Oahu Call Area can be found at: http://www.boem.gov/Hawaii.apx. A large-scale map of the Oahu Call Area showing boundaries 
with numbered blocks is available from BOEM at the following address: 
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Pacific OCS Region, Renewable Energy 
Section, 760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 102 (CM 102), Camarillo, California 
93010. Phone (805) 384-6263, Fax: (805) 388-1049.

                               Table 1--List of OCS Blocks Included in Oahu North
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Protraction
               Protraction name                       No.          Block No.                Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6180  N, O, P.

[[Page 41339]]

 
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6181  M, N.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6228  F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O, P.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6229  D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N,
                                                                                 O, P.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6230  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6231  A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
                                                                                 M, N, O, P.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6232  E, I, J, M, N, O, P.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6233  M.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6278  B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O,
                                                                                 P.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6279  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6280  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6281  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6282  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6283  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6284  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6285  A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
                                                                                 M, N, O, P.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6328  B, C, D, F, G, H, K, L, P.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6329  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6330  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6331  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6332  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6333  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6334  A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
                                                                                 M, N.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6335  A, B.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6378  D, H.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6379  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6380  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6381  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6382  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6383  A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
                                                                                 M, N, O.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6384  A.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6429  B, C, D, F, G, H.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6430  A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, L.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6431  A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
                                                                                 L, N, O.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6432  ALL.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6433  A, B, C, E, F, I, J, N.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6482  B, C, F.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                               Table 2--List of OCS Blocks Included in Oahu South
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Protraction
               Protraction name                       No.          Block No.                Sub-block
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6939  D, H.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6940  A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
                                                                                 L, N, O, P.
Kauai Channel.................................         NF04-08            6990  B, C, D, G, H, K, L, P.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6901  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6902  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6903  A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
                                                                                 M, N, O, P.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6904  E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
                                                                                 P.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6905  I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6906  M, N, O, P.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6951  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6952  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6953  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6954  ALL
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6955  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6956  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6957  A, B, C, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L,
                                                                                 M, N, O, P.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6958  E, F, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            6959  M,N.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7001  A, B, C, D, F, G, H, K, L, O, P.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7002  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7003  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7004  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7005  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7006  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7007  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7008  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7009  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7010  E, I.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7051  D, H.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7052  A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,
                                                                                 L, N, O, P.

[[Page 41340]]

 
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7053  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7054  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7055  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7056  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7057  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7058  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7059  A, B, C, E, F, I.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7102  B, C, D, G, H, L, P.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7103  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7104  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7105  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7106  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7107  ALL.
Oahu..........................................         NF04-09            7108  A, B, C, E, F, G, I, J, M, N.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6003  A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L,
                                                                                 N, O, P.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6004  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6005  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6006  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6007  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6008  A, B, E, M.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6053  B, C, D, G, H, L, P.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6054  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6055  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6056  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6057  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6058  A, M, N.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6103  D.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6104  A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L,
                                                                                 N, O, P.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6105  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6106  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6107  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6108  A, B, E, F, I, J, K, L, M, N, O,
                                                                                 P.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6109  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6110  A, E, I, M.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6154  C, D, G, H, K, L, P.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6155  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6156  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6157  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6158  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6159  ALL.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6160  A, E, I, M.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6205  A, B, C, D.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6206  A.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6208  B, C, D.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6209  A, B, C, D.
Maui..........................................         NF04-12            6210  A.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Areas Not Included in the Call

    During the process of delineating the Oahu Call Area, BOEM 
determined that the following areas would not be appropriate for 
leasing and development at this time:
    1. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary 
(Humpback Whale NMS). Under the OCSLA, BOEM may not issue leases within 
any unit of a National Marine Sanctuary. Therefore, BOEM excluded the 
Humpback Whale NMS from leasing consideration. Note that the Oahu Call 
Area is located adjacent to the Humpback Whale NMS. BOEM will 
coordinate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and other relevant agencies 
regarding potential impacts to the Humpback Whale NMS and, if 
necessary, will develop appropriate lease stipulations and mitigation 
measures to reduce or eliminate such impacts.
    2. Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas. Certain areas are set aside 
by the State of Hawaii as Bottomfish Restricted Fishing Areas. In order 
to avoid potential multiple use conflicts, BOEM is not including these 
areas in the Oahu Call Area.
    3. Areas with Water Depths Beyond 1,100 meters. BOEM removed areas 
in water depths beyond 1,100 meters from consideration for leasing at 
this time. Based on a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 
technical report (NREL, TP-6A20-55049, Improved Offshore Wind Resource 
Assessment in Global Climate Stabilization Scenarios, 2012), BOEM 
considers 1,100 meters to be the reasonable limit on water depth for 
the purposes of determining potential areas for lease, at this time.
    4. Low Wind Resource Areas. BOEM removed areas with average annual 
wind speeds below 7 meters per second (m/s). Based on the NREL 
technical report (NREL, TP-6A20-55049, Improved Offshore Wind Resource 
Assessment in Global Climate Stabilization Scenarios, 2012), a 7 m/s 
wind speed was considered to be a conservative lower limit for offshore 
wind resource.

Navigational Considerations

    BOEM analyzed USCG 2013 and 2014 Automatic Identification System 
(AIS) data, including density plots for various individual vessel types 
(e.g., tankers,

[[Page 41341]]

cargo vessels, tugs, etc.) that traverse the OCS offshore Oahu. BOEM 
used this AIS data to inform its determination of potential areas 
suitable for leasing on the OCS offshore Oahu. The AIS data used to 
conduct this analysis, in addition to other AIS tools, can be 
downloaded at: http://marinecadastre.gov/ais/.

Consideration of Requested Areas

    In developing the Oahu Call Area, BOEM considered the areas 
requested by AW Hawaii and Progression. Both developers have conducted 
stakeholder engagement on Oahu and have made their proposals 
considering wind resource, water depth, and proximity to shore.

Areas of Interest for Further Analysis

    BOEM is seeking public comment regarding the identification of 
historic properties or potential impacts to historic properties located 
in the vicinity of the Oahu Call Area that could result from the 
proposed action (i.e., lease issuance and potential site assessment 
activities). Specifically, BOEM is requesting information on historic 
sites, districts, and National Historic Landmarks, as well as cultural 
corridors, traditional cultural properties, and other historic 
properties.

Required Nomination Information

    If you intend to submit a nomination for a commercial wind energy 
lease in the areas identified in this notice, you must provide the 
following information:
    1. The BOEM Protraction name, number, and specific whole or partial 
OCS blocks within the Oahu Call Area that are of interest for 
commercial wind leasing, including any required buffer area. If your 
proposed lease area includes partial blocks, include the sub-block 
letter (A-P). Additionally, you should submit a shapefile or 
geodatabase of the project area compatible with ArcGIS 10.3 and 
projected in WGS 84_UTM Zone 4N.
    2. A description of your objectives and the facilities you would 
use to achieve those objectives.
    3. A preliminary schedule of proposed activities, including those 
leading to commercial operations.
    4. Available and pertinent data and information concerning 
renewable energy resources and environmental conditions in the area(s) 
you wish to lease, including energy and resource data and information 
that you used to evaluate the Oahu Call Area. Where applicable, spatial 
information should be submitted in a format compatible with ArcGIS 10.3 
and projected in WGS 84_UTM Zone 4N.
    5. Documentation demonstrating you are legally qualified to hold a 
lease, as set forth in 30 CFR 585.106 and 107. Examples of the 
documentation appropriate for demonstrating your legal qualifications 
and related guidance can be found in Chapter 2 and Appendix B of the 
BOEM Renewable Energy Framework Guide Book available at: http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/REnGuidebook_03August2009_3_-pdf.aspx. Legal qualification documents 
will be placed in an official file that may be made available for 
public review. If you wish any part of your legal qualification 
documentation to be kept confidential, clearly identify what should be 
kept confidential and why such documentation should be confidential, 
and submit it under separate cover (see ``Protection of Privileged or 
Confidential Information Section,'' below). Any documentation you 
submit to demonstrate your legal qualifications must be provided to 
BOEM in both paper and electronic formats. BOEM considers an Adobe PDF 
file on a storage media device to be an acceptable format for an 
electronic copy.
    6. Documentation demonstrating you are technically and financially 
capable of constructing, operating, maintaining, and decommissioning 
the facilities described in (2) above. Guidance regarding the required 
documentation to demonstrate your technical and financial 
qualifications can be found at: http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/QualificationGuidelines-pdf.aspx. Any 
documentation you submit to demonstrate your technical and financial 
qualifications must be provided to BOEM in both paper and electronic 
formats. BOEM considers an Adobe PDF file on a storage media device to 
be an acceptable format for an electronic copy.
    It is critical that you submit a complete nomination so BOEM may 
evaluate your submission in a timely manner. If BOEM reviews your 
nomination and finds it is incomplete, BOEM will inform you in a letter 
describing the specific information missing from your nomination. You 
must then submit this missing information in order for BOEM to deem 
your submission complete. You will be given 15 business days from the 
date of that letter to submit the information. If you do not meet this 
deadline, or if BOEM determines this second submission is still 
incomplete, then BOEM retains the right to deem your nomination 
invalid. In such a case, BOEM will not process your nomination.

Participating in a Lease Sale Without Responding to This Call

    It is not required that you submit a nomination in response to this 
Call in order to submit a bid in a potential competitive lease sale 
offshore Oahu. However, you will not be able to participate in such a 
lease sale unless you demonstrate prior to the sale that you are 
legally qualified to hold a BOEM renewable energy lease, and you 
demonstrate that you are technically and financially capable of 
constructing, operating, maintaining, and decommissioning the 
facilities you would propose to install on your lease. To ensure BOEM 
has sufficient time to process your qualifications package, you must 
submit this package prior to or during the PSN 60-day public comment 
period. More information can be found at: http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Regulatory-Information/QualificationGuidelines-pdf.aspx

Requested Information From Interested or Affected Parties

    BOEM is requesting specific and detailed comments from Federal, 
state, and local governments, Native Hawaiians, and the public 
regarding the following:
    1. Geological, geophysical, and biological conditions (including 
bottom and shallow hazards and live bottom) in the area described in 
this Call.
    2. Historic properties, including archaeological or cultural 
resources, potentially affected by the construction of meteorological 
towers, the installation of meteorological buoys, or commercial wind 
development in the areas identified in this Call.
    3. Existing uses of the areas, including navigation (commercial and 
recreational vessel use), fishing locations, and commercial fishing 
areas.
    4. Information relating to potential impacts resulting from the 
siting of wind turbine generators in the Oahu Call Area.
    5. Available and pertinent data and information concerning 
renewable energy resources and environmental conditions in the area 
identified in this Call. Where applicable, spatial information should 
be submitted in a format compatible with ArcGIS 10.3 and projected in 
WGS 84_UTM Zone 4N.
    6. Habitats that may require special attention during siting and 
construction.
    7. Other relevant socioeconomic, technical, biological, and/or 
environmental information. Socioeconomic information could

[[Page 41342]]

include information on non-monetary credits offered at the lease sale 
stage or recommendations on community benefits.

Protection of Privileged or Confidential Information

Freedom of Information Act

    BOEM will protect privileged or confidential information you submit 
when required by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Exemption 4 of 
FOIA applies to trade secrets and commercial or financial information 
that is privileged or confidential. If you wish to protect the 
confidentiality of such information, clearly label it with ``Contains 
Confidential Information'' and request BOEM treat it as confidential, 
and consider submitting such information as a separate attachment. BOEM 
will not disclose such information if it qualifies for exemption from 
disclosure under FOIA. Information not labeled as privileged or 
confidential will be regarded by BOEM as suitable for public release.
    BOEM will not treat as confidential any aggregate summaries of such 
information or comments not containing such information. Additionally, 
BOEM will not treat as confidential (1) the legal title of the 
nominating entity (for example, the name of your company), or (2) the 
list of whole or partial blocks that you are nominating.

Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470w-
3(a))

    BOEM is required to withhold the location, character, or ownership 
of historic resources if it determines disclosure may, among other 
things, risk harm to the historic resources or impede the use of a 
traditional religious site by practitioners. Entities that are 
protected under NHPA should designate information falling under Section 
304 of NHPA as confidential.

    Dated: June 16, 2016.
Abigail Ross Hopper,
Director, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
[FR Doc. 2016-14830 Filed 6-23-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P