The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced that it will issue a request for proposals for a second regional tender for offshore wind energy in the Central Atlantic.

The solicitation asks the public to provide feedback on potential commercial wind energy development in areas off the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. The leasing process for Central Atlantic 2 begins today with a 60-day public comment period.

After the public comment period, BOEM will review and analyze the commercial nominations and public comments submitted in response to the RFP and identify wind energy site proposals. After environmental reviews and consultations are complete, BOEM may propose a competitive lease sale.

This announcement builds on last week’s announcement. first lease sale in the Central Atlanticthe fifth offshore wind lease sale during the current administration.

Norwegian energy giant Equinor and U.S. company Dominion Energy won two separate U.S. offshore wind leases at the first auction in the Central Atlantic after bidding a combined $93 million.

The Central Atlantic 2 area covers just over 21,000 square miles (54,538 km²) off the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. According to BOEM, the area is broad enough to be flexible enough to minimize conflicts with other uses such as commercial fishing, military activities and shipping.

BOEM said it will work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science to identify potential conflicts.

“(This) initiates the process for a second potential auction in the Central Atlantic and provides an important opportunity to gather information as we identify potential areas that may be suitable for future offshore wind leasing,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein.