Offshore Wind Opposition Weakens Amid Advancements

Recent developments in the offshore wind industry highlight a notable decline in opposition, particularly in light of recent legal and administrative advancements. The Trump administration has attempted to impose stop-work orders on five offshore wind farms, citing a purported national security emergency, but those claims have faced scrutiny and backlash.

Trump Administration’s Orders on Offshore Wind Projects

On December 22, 2022, the Trump administration issued an urgent stop-work order affecting five offshore wind projects along the Atlantic Coast. These projects include Vineyard Wind in Massachusetts, Revolution Wind in Connecticut and Rhode Island, Sunrise Wind in New York, Empire Wind in New York, and the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project in Virginia.

Reactions and Legal Challenges

The decision to halt progress on these projects sparked immediate reactions from the governors of the affected states. On December 24, the governors sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, demanding further clarification about the national security issues that prompted the stop-work order.

Despite the administration’s claims, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) clarified the same day that Vineyard Wind could continue operations. Currently, 17 turbines from Vineyard Wind are generating power, reflecting an operational capacity of 572 megawatts from its 800-megawatt goal.

• Vineyard Wind: Currently generating 572 megawatts.
• Projects Affected:
  • Vineyard Wind (Massachusetts)
  • Revolution Wind (Connecticut and Rhode Island)
  • Sunrise Wind (New York)
  • Empire Wind (New York)
  • Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (Virginia)

Judicial Decisions Favor Offshore Wind

Legal challenges have also arisen from developers like Ørsted, who sought to resume work on the Revolution Wind project after the Trump administration’s order. In September 2022, a federal judge ruled in favor of Ørsted, allowing the project to progress.

Additionally, a significant ruling on December 8, 2022, deemed part of the January 20 “wind ban” order null and void, strengthening the position of offshore wind proponents. The court reaffirmed the authority of the president to halt new leases but criticized the order for improperly stopping work on already permitted leases.

Governors Push for Clarity

The governors of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York are determined to uncover the truth behind the national security claims. They are pressing for a clear explanation from the Department of Defense regarding the justification for the December 22 order.

Maryland’s Aspirations for Offshore Wind

As the situation unfolds, other states like Maryland are preparing to advance their offshore wind initiatives. Maryland’s Department of General Services has announced plans to procure a 20-year power purchase agreement aimed at the 2.2-gigawatt Maryland Offshore Wind Project, which has received a construction and operations approval from BOEM.

Despite the obstacles presented by the Trump administration, states continue to embrace offshore wind projects, demonstrating a commitment to renewable energy and a shift towards greener sources of power.

Conclusion

As judicial rulings and state actions challenge federal opposition to offshore wind development, the momentum toward clean energy solutions is expected to strengthen. The future of offshore wind in the United States looks optimistic, despite political turbulence.