Trump Administration Plans to Revoke Maryland Offshore Wind Permits

The Trump administration is preparing to revoke federal approval for the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, which involves constructing over 100 wind turbines about 10 miles off Ocean City's coast. This decision follows lawsuits from Ocean City officials and local residents, who argue that the permitting process violated multiple federal laws and express concerns over environmental impact, tourism, and local economies. The project, initially approved during President Joe Biden's administration, has faced continuous opposition from Maryland Republicans and local governments, who describe it as costly and damaging to ecosystems. US Wind, the project developer, maintains confidence in the legal validity of its permits and highlights the project's potential economic benefits, including job creation and support for the steel industry in Baltimore County. Maryland Governor Wes Moore criticized the revocation as shortsighted, warning it could lead to higher utility rates and hamper Maryland's efforts to expand clean energy capacity. The federal government plans to finalize the permit withdrawal by September 12, with ongoing litigation expected to continue.