The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will auction leases for eight offshore wind areas in the Gulf of Maine on October 29, with the potential to generate around 13 gigawatts of energy, enough to power over 4.5 million homes. The lease areas have been reduced by 12% due to concerns from the fishing industry and other stakeholders. Winning bidders will not automatically be allowed to construct wind facilities; they must submit project-specific plans that will undergo further review. The initiative has received mixed political support in New Hampshire, with some advocating for renewable energy expansion and others opposing it. In addition to energy generation, the project aims to create jobs and minimize impacts on wildlife habitats. This auction represents a significant step in the U.S. efforts to increase renewable energy resources, contributing to a goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030.