The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is moving forward with its exploration of offshore wind potential in the Gulf of Maine, announcing a public comment period that began April 26 and lasts 45 days.

Input is being sought on commercial wind energy development in areas off the coast of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.

The bureau said the comment period represents an early step in the commercial planning and leasing process, and is required by federal regulations.

Requested by Gov. Chris Sununu in 2019, the bureau convened a Gulf of Maine wind power task force with New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. Sununu, in an introductory letter as part of a state report last year on the potential for offshore wind, wrote, “New Hampshire is uniquely situated to benefit from this new industry in ways that will attract investment, boost the state’s economy and create good-paying jobs.”

The Gulf of Maine Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force will continue to guide the process, in addition to public input and government and tribal consultations.

Comments can be submitted electronically through June 12 at regulations.gov. In the search box at the top of the webpage, commenters are advised to enter “BOEM-2023-0025” and then click “search.” Instructions will be provided on how to submit public comments. — HADLEY BARNDOLLAR/NEW HAMPSHIRE BULLETIN