FENWICK ISLAND, Del.- A major federal decision is shaking up offshore wind development plans along the East Coast, delivering a significant win for those opposing turbines near the Maryland and Delaware shoreline.
The Trump administration ordered the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to halt construction on the Empire Wind project off New York’s coast. The project, which was set to begin May 1, has been paused due to what the administration called “serious deficiencies” in the permitting process.
Secretary of Energy Doug Burgum stated the decision came after identifying rushed approvals by the previous administration. “The projects were rushed through by the prior Administration without sufficient analysis or consultation among the relevant agencies as relates to the potential effects from the Project,” Burgum said.
According to New York officials, the potential offshore wind project would impact marine ecosystems and the fishing industry. As a result, all other offshore wind projects, including the Maryland Offshore Wind Project off the coast of Ocean City, will now undergo further review.
Fenwick Island believes this could mean hope in their fight against turbines on Delmarva. The town is joining Ocean City in a lawsuit against The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management regarding the Maryland Offshore Wind Project.
Locals in Worcester County and Ocean City have voiced increasing concern over offshore wind farms, particularly their visibility from the shore and potential disruption to marine life and the fishing industry. In response, Worcester County and Ocean City launched a new campaign to stop offshore wind development in local waters.
Meanwhile, Ocean City continues with its lawsuit, even after U.S. Wind received final approval from BOEM earlier this year.
Despite the pause in construction, the Government Accountability Office reported that offshore wind projects could bring long-term climate and health benefits. Still, the halt by the Trump administration adds fuel to a growing debate over renewable energy development and its impacts.