Critics of offshore wind believe the pendulum is swinging in their direction
Credit: Kyle Orens | Apr 23, 2025 | wboc.com ~~
A handful of Eastern Shore lawmakers are trying to take advantage of what they call positive momentum. The thought process follows a recent federal decision to immediately halt an offshore wind project in New York.
Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R), who represents Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester Counties, has officially asked the US Department of the Interior to halt US Wind’s proposed project off Maryland’s coast.
Carozza tells WBOC she isn’t sure if this will speed up the federal review process or lead to a quicker decision. However, she believes it’s important to deliver a consistent message.
“All of us, elected officials, the Watermen’s Association, recreational boating, tourism, constituents, all take advantage and make sure that the Secretary of the Interior hears our voices that we want a halt to Maryland’s offshore wind project now,” said Carozza.
For offshore wind companies, it’s been a rocky start to President Donald Trump’s second term. In January, President Trump ordered a federal review of all offshore wind projects.
That led to the immediate halt of the Empire Wind project in New York. It’s also why Carozza and other local officials are chomping at the bit, hoping US Wind’s project is next in line.
“That was a massive offshore wind project off of New York and we looked at that and said the timing is right for all of us,” said Carozza. “All the partners in the stop offshore wind movement to again go on record as we have been.”
In her letter, Carozza outlined multiple issues, many of which opponents of offshore wind have continuously beaten the drum over. That includes potential impacts on commercial and recreational fishing and radar interference.
Melanie Pursel, Director of the Office of Tourism and Economic Development for Maryland’s Coast, said now is also an opportune time to discuss worries about turbine failures.
Pursel mentioned a Nantucket, Massachusetts, incident from last summer, in which a turbine broke, and beaches had to close during the clean-up process.
“If we closed our beaches in the middle of July, the detriment not only to the environment but to our tourism-based economy and the fishing industry, I mean, there’s just so many factors,” said Pursel.
WBOC did contact the US Department of the Interior on Wednesday, requesting an update on its review process for US Wind’s project. We have not yet heard back.
We also contacted US Wind. The company declined to comment but has repeatedly told WBOC that it will supply energy to hundreds of thousands of homes and support quality American jobs.
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