Network Statement on Amanda Lefton as New BOEM Director

For Immediate Release:  February 2, 2021  

Media Contact:  Melinda Skea | [email protected] | 202-709-9793  

Baltimore – News outlets this morning have reported the appointment of Amanda Lefton as the new director for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The agency, housed within the Department of Interior, has the responsibility to lease and permit lands for offshore wind renewable energy development. This announcement follows last week’s sweeping Executive Order that, in part, directs the Department of Interior to double offshore wind production by 2030.  

The following statement can be attributed to Liz Burdock, president and CEO of Oceantic Network:  

The Biden Administration has made an excellent choice in naming Amanda Lefton as the new Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) while the agency works to successfully develop offshore wind energy off the U.S. coasts. From Maine to North Carolina, our committed state leaders have been driving the vision and action on offshore wind while committing state resources and incentives. Having a seasoned state government and policy leader like Amanda at BOEM’s helm over the next four years provides the offshore wind industry confidence that the Biden Administration will fulfill its commitments to double offshore wind and expand opportunities for renewable energy development. I look forward to working closely with Amanda and introducing her to the diverse supply chain Network members represent as we seek to advance existing projects and a pathway to a strong U.S. Supply Chain.    

For more information or to arrange an interview with a Network spokesperson, contact Melinda Skea at [email protected] or 202-709-9793.   

Additional Information:  

• Politico: Scranton on the Hudson
  E&E: NY Official Picked to Lead Ocean Energy Office  

• Executive Order: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad  
• White House Fact Sheet  
• Department of Interior Fact Sheet    

Oceantic Network is the largest non-profit organization dedicated solely to building a robust offshore wind supply chain and expanding adoption of offshore wind energy. It advances the industry through collaboration, education, and innovation, including the International Partnering Forum (IPF), the leading offshore wind conference in North America, and the OSW Market Dashboard. Learn more at Oceantic.org.