WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. regulators said they were preparing for a study on regulating working safety on renewable energy programs on the Outer Continental Shelf.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement announced it was conducting a study to determine worker safety requirements for renewable energy programs off the U.S. coast.
"We are committed to ensuring that offshore energy development is conducted safely," said BOEMRE Director Michael Bromwich. "The results of this study will enhance and enlarge our understanding of the potential risks faced by workers during construction and operation of renewable energy facilities on the OCS."
Bromwich said last week that an agreement with the U.S. Coast Guard strengthens their joint responsibilities regarding offshore renewable energy installations on the OCS.
The BOEMRE said in early July that it was seeking public comment on draft environmental assessments related to the issuance of leases in areas designated for wind energy off the New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia coasts.
U.S. President Barack Obama this year set a goal of using clean energy to generate 80 percent of the country's electricity by 2035.
The safety study is expected to be completed by next July.
