DELMARVA - Maryland and Delaware attorneys general have joined a coalition of 17 other attorneys general in a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s decision to halt all federal approvals for wind energy development. The lawsuit claims this move threatens environmental progress, job creation and economic growth across the country.
The lawsuit, filed Monday, targets a Presidential Memorandum issued on Jan. 20 that indefinitely freezes all permitting for both offshore and onshore wind projects while a federal review is conducted. According to the suit, this directive not only delayed future development but also disrupted ongoing construction projects, including one fully approved wind farm in New York.
Attorney General Brown said Maryland’s clean energy goals and economic future are now at risk.
“The Trump Administration's outrageous and unlawful freeze on wind energy development is nothing short of a direct assault on Maryland’s future climate security and economic prosperity. Wind power provides hardworking Marylanders with well-paying jobs, strengthens our power grid, and helps us fight the increasingly devastating impacts of climate change,” said Brown.
Governor Wes Moore also condemned the move, saying it undermines families already struggling with rising energy costs.
“The president's actions violate federal law and will make it harder for us to help Marylanders keep the money they make. One of the best strategies for driving down utility costs is ramping up clean energy production through wind power,” said Moore.
Maryland says the administration's directive also threatens to thwart the states’ significant investments in wind industry infrastructure, supply chains and workforce development, investments that already total billions of dollars. State law requires Maryland to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045, with wind power serving as a cornerstone of this effort. In 2023, Maryland set an ambitious goal to develop 8,500 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2031.
Projects like the Maryland Offshore Wind Project by U.S. Wind contribute to this effort. That development alone is projected to generate more than 13,000 jobs and contribute over $6 billion in economic benefits according to the state.
However, Ocean City leaders recently traveled to Washington D.C. to prevent that very construction. Mayor Meehan outlined concerns that offshore wind farms could harm Ocean City’s tourism economy, disrupt commercial fishing, damage marine ecosystems, and interfere with marine traffic and military radar operations.
“There are multiple negative impacts from tourism to commercial fishing to marine life, boat traffic, and military communications, plus it’s the most expensive way to generate energy." said Maryland State Senator Mary Beth Carozza.
Senate Republican Leadership made a statement Tuesday addressing the lawsuit, saying it is an example of misplaced priorities and political theater.
“While Maryland families grapple with rising energy costs and the economic burden of subsidized green energy mandates, the Attorney General is using taxpayer resources to defend an industry that can’t stand on its own without massive public subsidies. Offshore wind projects off Maryland’s coast are projected to drive up electric bills and require billions in long-term government support just to stay afloat.” said Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey.
Meanwhile, Amber Hewett, senior director of offshore wind energy at the National Wildlife Federation, echoed concerns with halting offshore wind progress.
“As our nation works to meet a rising demand for energy, the elimination of a clean, thoroughly environmentally reviewed, and reliable American energy source is counterproductive and irresponsible,” said Hewett.
Joining Maryland and Delaware in the lawsuit are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
The lawsuit seeks to have the memorandum declared illegal and to block any further efforts to delay or prevent wind energy development.