US BOEM Shifts Focus to Conventional Energy During Shutdowns
During federal agency shutdowns, authorities involved in renewable energy projects in German waters, such as the Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH) and the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA), maintain essential operations. However, recent developments in the United States reveal a different approach.
In the US, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced its priorities during shutdowns. BOEM will focus on 'priority conventional energy projects', including planning for an upcoming oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico and future sales. This prioritisation is a shift from previous practices, which typically saw renewable energy projects given equal importance.
Interestingly, BOEM will also work on a 2026 critical mineral lease sale during the shutdown, indicating a balance between conventional and renewable energy projects. However, the Interior Department's shutdown plans have been criticised for prioritising oil and gas projects over renewable work.
While German authorities maintain balance in their approach to renewable energy projects during shutdowns, the US's BOEM has shifted its focus towards conventional energy projects. Despite criticism, BOEM will also work on a critical mineral lease sale, showing a mix of priorities.
