EPA Demands Correction on Maryland Wind Permit

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notified the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) that the air quality permit for the US Wind offshore wind project off Ocean City was issued in error due to procedural flaws, chiefly the misdirection of appeals to state courts instead of the federally required Environmental Appeals Board process. The EPA instructed MDE to reissue the permit with the correct federal legal references and appeals process, warning that failure to comply could invalidate the permit and cause stakeholder confusion. The US Wind project, planned to construct up to 114 turbines and deliver power to over 718,000 homes, is the most advanced offshore wind initiative in Maryland. This development arises amid increased political scrutiny of renewable energy projects under the Trump administration, which has limited federal support for wind energy. MDE is currently reviewing the EPA's letter, while US Wind maintains confidence in the legality of its permits.