MARYLAND - Congressman Andy Harris issued a statement applauding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s determination that the Maryland Department of the Environment improperly issued its final permit decision for the US Wind offshore wind project located off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland.
In a letter sent to MDE Secretary Serena McIlwain, the EPA outlined several legal and procedural problems in MDE’s handling of the permit. According to the agency, MDE provided misleading information about the public’s right to appeal under federal law, incorrectly directing individuals to file appeals in state court rather than through the proper federal process.
As a result, the EPA is requiring MDE to reissue the permit in full compliance with federal procedures. If the errors are not corrected, the permit could be deemed invalid during any legal challenge.
In response to the EPA’s findings, Congressman Harris stated, "The EPA has confirmed what many of us knew for years this project was approved with glaring procedural and legal flaws. The Maryland Department of the Environment had no business directing the public to appeal a federal permit to a state court, and such a decision showed both incompetence and a disregard for public input from my affected constituents in Worcester County."
Harris has consistently opposed offshore wind projects off Maryland’s coast, citing concerns from his constituents. He noted that residents throughout the First Congressional District have long made their position clear.
"For many years, my constituents across the First Congressional District have been overwhelmingly clear: they do not want offshore wind off their coast. This ruling is a major victory for the Eastern Shore, the environment, and our local economies that are existentially threatened by this project," Harris said.
The EPA’s letter, which outlines the required steps for correcting the permit process, is available here.