Local officials say they are optimistic about an executive order that effectively halts offshore wind development, but US Wind states it will not give up on its plans to build a renewable energy project off Maryland’s coast.
On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order effectively withdrawing areas of the Outer Continental Shelf from any new offshore wind leasing. The order also halts the issuance of any new or renewed permits, leases or loans for onshore and offshore wind projects, pending the completion of a federal review.
At the local level, the executive order could impact the 114-turbine project US Wind plans to build 10 miles off the coast, as it tasks the secretary of the interior, in consultation with the attorney general, to “conduct a comprehensive review of the ecological, economic, and environmental necessity of terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases.” The order also requires federal agencies to review its leasing and permitting practices.
In response to the executive action, US Wind’s Nancy Sopko, vice president of external affairs, said the company will work with the new administration to meet its energy goals.
“US Wind’s projects are poised to deliver on the President’s promise of achieving American energy dominance, especially now that we have received all of our federal permits,” she said. “The energy we will produce off Maryland’s shores will help to meet the region’s unquenchable thirst for new electricity, power more than 600,000 homes, and support good American jobs. We will be at the forefront of an American manufacturing renaissance that relies heavily on American steel by establishing a new factory at the old Bethlehem Steel facility in Baltimore. This site, once used to produce the steel beams for the Empire State Building, will rise again to meet the demands of a new American industry. We look forward to working with the new administration to fully realize the potential of American ingenuity and innovation.”
Local governments praise president’s Executive Order