In the context of discussions about the energy transition in the United States, one of the strongest initiatives for this transition was the development of an offshore wind farm planned off the coast of Maryland. However, a recent move by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), linked to the Department of the Interior, has cast doubt on this project, with a request to revoke the approval that had already been granted for this plan.
What’s at stake on the Maryland coast
The wind farm project in question is led by US Wind, and plans to install up to 114 wind turbines in federal waters, located approximately 10 miles from the city of Ocean City. Budgeted at approximately $6 billion, the project could generate enough energy to power more than 700,000 homes, according to the company’s own estimates.
The project was very well received, being seen as an opportunity to boost the local economy, with prospects of generating jobs in the shipbuilding and offshore sectors, as well as encouraging the development of the entire supply chain necessary for the project’s completion and its maintenance. Furthermore, it became a symbol of the effort to adopt renewable energy and consequently reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based energy sources.
However, the approval granted in December 2024 is now under review. BOEM’s main argument is that there were flaws in the impact analysis, specifically in the procedures regarding air rescue operations and fishing activities. The request to the court aims to temporarily annul the license with the goal of re-evaluating the project under a new interpretation of the law governing the use of the continental shelf.
The political dispute behind the decision
Although BOEM makes it clear that the request does not mean the definitive end of the project, when we consider the political context, this statement is questionable. The current federal administration, under Donald Trump, has already made its skepticism regarding offshore wind energy clear. Recently, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum himself stated that this technology would be “too expensive and unreliable” for the United States’ energy future.
Maryland isn’t the only project undergoing this review. Other ongoing projects, such as SouthCoast Wind and New England Wind, both in Massachusetts, are also facing similar review requests. In August, the federal government suspended $679 million in investments intended to modernize ports to serve the wind industry, redirecting the funds to other areas.
Clean energy at the center of political dispute
The review has shifted from being purely a sustainability and economic matter to also becoming a political decision. Many see it as a direct blow to the clean energy sector, threatening years of planning and billions in investment. Critics warn that reopening already approved projects creates significant regulatory uncertainty, potentially discouraging investors at a critical stage in the global energy transition.
Reactions and impact for Maryland
In Maryland, reactions to the news quickly spread, condemning BOEM’s review. The Oceantic Network, an association focused on offshore renewable energy, called the decision one of the biggest economic setbacks for American workers and businesses in recent years. The organization’s CEO, Liz Burdock, emphasized that the wind farm had already been bringing concrete benefits, such as creating skilled jobs and revitalizing the local steel and port logistics industries.
Despite the level of concern generated by the possibility of the approval being overturned, the future of the Maryland offshore wind project remains uncertain. BOEM’s overturning request is bringing discussions that link this decision to political, economic, and environmental issues. While the federal government claims the need for legal review, communities and experts of the industry fear missing a historic opportunity for energy diversification.