The Department of Interior’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) Tuesday held its first meeting with officials from Rhode Island to discuss renewable energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). MMS is in the process of establishing task forces to consult with states concerning renewable energy leasing and development on the OCS.

Gov. Donald L. Carcieri designated Grover Fugate, executive director of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), as well as Brian A. Goldman, CRMC legal counsel, to work with MMS to establish the Rhode Island task force.

“The MMS Rhode Island Task Force will provide a forum for the efficient and effective review of proposed renewable energy projects on the OCS to support the administration’s goal of expanding our nation’s energy resource portfolio in a manner that is environmentally sound and is responsive to the needs of affected states, localities, and tribes,” said MMS Director Liz Birnbaum.

During the first MMS Rhode Island Task Force meeting, held at the University of Rhode Island, MMS officials explained the leasing process for OCS renewable energy and discussed options for initiating the process off Rhode Island. Participants discussed specific actions and timelines required by MMS and the state to support Rhode Island’s goal of developing offshore renewable energy.

In April President Obama said MMS had finalized the framework for renewable energy development on the OCS. The framework provides for MMS to use task forces in carrying out its responsibilities for authorizing OCS renewable energy activities in partnership with state, local and tribal governments and federal agencies. A task force meeting was recently held with Delaware, and task forces are also being formed for Massachusetts, New Jersey and Virginia.

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