The Trump administration is taking aim at a major offshore wind project in Maryland, potentially derailing progress on what could have been a significant renewable energy development. Attorneys from the Department of Justice informed a Delaware court that the Department of the Interior plans to vacate the Construction and Operations Plan (COP) for US Wind’s proposed 2200MW offshore wind farm by 12 September.
This move follows the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) directive in July, which asserted that Maryland had incorrectly identified the appeals process in its June approval of the wind farm. The EPA argued that the authority to appeal the permit lies under federal law, not state law as the June permit suggested. In a 7 July letter to the Maryland Department of the Environment, the EPA stated, “Failure to rectify this error could result in invalidation of the permit on appeal and confusion among relevant stakeholders with respect to where to bring such an appeal.”
The EPA directed the state department to reissue the permit with new language emphasizing federal authority. This development comes after US Wind received an air quality permit in June, which was the final state permit required for construction to begin. The Maryland Department of the Environment, Air and Radiation Administration confirmed that the project would not violate any applicable air pollution control regulations.
The federal government had already approved the project in December, awarding the final permit for the COP through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). This latest action by the Trump administration raises questions about the future of offshore wind projects and the balance of state and federal authority in energy development.
The potential revocation of the permit could have significant implications for the offshore wind sector. It may create uncertainty for developers and investors, who now face the prospect of federal intervention in state-approved projects. This could slow down the progress of similar projects, as stakeholders may become more cautious about navigating the complex regulatory landscape.
Moreover, the move underscores the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities in energy policy. While states like Maryland have been proactive in promoting renewable energy, the federal government’s actions suggest a more cautious approach. This could lead to a fragmented energy policy, with states pursuing their own renewable energy goals while facing potential federal hurdles.
As the energy sector watches this development closely, it remains to be seen how the courts will respond to the Department of the Interior’s move. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future offshore wind projects and shape the dynamics of state-federal relations in energy development.