In several months, the US offshore wind industry shifted from being a promising investor and employer to undergoing what Oceantic Network has termed a “targeted attack.” This follows news that the US Department of the Interior (DOI) plans to revoke federal permits for two additional projects. The Trump administration reportedly urged various agencies, typically not engaged in offshore energy permitting, to assess the impacts of offshore wind.
DOI Plans to Revoke Permits for Avangrid’s and Ocean Winds’ Projects
According to Reuters, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has revealed in court filings that it intends to remand federal permits for Avangrid’s New England Wind and Ocean Winds’ SouthCoast Wind offshore projects, both set for Massachusetts federal waters.
Acting for the Department of the Interior, the DOJ filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, indicating plans to seek a court order to vacate BOEM’s approval of the Construction and Operations Plan (COP) for New England Wind. The DOJ plans to take action by 10 October, overturning the 2024 approval from the previous administration.
In another court document, the DOJ stated that the Interior seeks a voluntary remand of SouthCoast Wind’s approval by 18 September. It also requested the court to pause litigation initiated by the town of Nantucket during the review.
SouthCoast Wind, developed by Ocean Winds, opposed the move, claiming in court documents that the delay is a pretext for the administration’s desire to eliminate offshore wind projects, Reuters reports.
This follows the DOI’s recent motion to vacate a Maryland offshore wind project permit.
On 22 August, a court filing in Delaware revealed that the DOI requested a stay on a lawsuit initiated by a homeowner against the DOI’s approval of US Wind’s Maryland Offshore Wind Project. The DOI indicated plans to vacate the decision in a related Maryland case, where it is also a defendant. The motion to remand the BOEM’s approval of the Maryland project is due by 12 September.
So Much in Such a Short Time
These motions to remand federal approvals are part of broader federal actions to halt or hinder domestic offshore wind projects.
After halting Equinor’s Empire Wind 1 project in April, the DOI issued a stop-work order for Revolution Wind, a joint venture by Ørsted and Skyborn Renewables.
While Empire Wind 1 resumed after negotiations, Revolution Wind, near completion, faced new delays, impacting electricity supply for two states.
The federal government also withdrew funding for twelve port upgrades intended to support offshore wind deployment, affecting the domestic supply chain.
FURTHER READING
The US offshore wind industry faced increased scrutiny following a presidential memorandum on 20 January, escalating with a July order from the Interior Secretary to revise offshore renewable energy permitting.
The January memorandum suspended new leasing and permit renewals. Initially, fully permitted projects were considered low risk.
Following the July order, the DOI and BOEM withdrew all Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) on the US Outer Continental Shelf and on 4 August, BOEM rescinded a section of its regulations outlining the renewable energy lease sale schedule.
More May Be Coming
The Trump administration is reportedly engaging other agencies to evaluate potential negative impacts of offshore wind infrastructure.
The New York Times reports the White House has instructed agencies, including Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense (DOD), to draft new impact-review strategies for wind projects.
According to the NYT, the Trump administration aims to involve multiple agencies in efforts led by the White House chief of staff to impede the offshore wind industry, despite established cooperation between BOEM and DOD.
This intensified scrutiny contrasts with efforts to reduce permitting times for the oil and gas sector, which shares technology and infrastructure with offshore wind.
Given the administration’s stance, industry and state leaders have expressed concern over the treatment of the domestic energy sector.
Oceantic Network Says Trump Administration Undertaking ‘Targeted Attack’
Amid reports of DOI plans to revoke permits, Oceantic Network labeled the actions as a “targeted attack” on offshore wind.
“The unlawful actions by the Trump administration against offshore wind projects threaten US workers, businesses, and energy,” said Sam Salustro, SVP Policy & Market Strategy at Oceantic Network.
Salustro warned that halting construction and revoking permits could raise electricity prices, jeopardize private investment, and threaten supply chains.
“The administration’s actions undermine a $25 billion domestic supply chain. We urge federal leaders to halt this attack and restore industry stability.”
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz