LPDD Model Law: Amending CZMA to Facilitate Offshore Renewables Permitting

This model document proposes potential amendments to the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to facilitate the permitting of offshore renewable energy facilities.  The first part of the document provides a brief overview of the relevant provisions of the CZMA, and the second part proposes amendments to facilitate the permitting of offshore renewable energy facilities. Specifically, the model law proposes exempting renewable energy projects from the CZMA’s consistency provisions, or else incorporating language encouraging planning for renewable energy projects and allowing for easier federal agency override of state objections to a project.

The proposed amendments are directed at renewable energy facilities, so as not to limit the effect of the proposed amendments to offshore wind projects.