Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Trump Administration Seeks Court Pause as Interior Moves to Revisit SouthCoast Wind Permit

Justice Department lawyers told a federal judge Interior will move by Sept. 18 to send SouthCoast Wind’s federal approval back for reconsideration.

Overview

  • In a court filing, DOJ said Interior will seek a voluntary remand of SouthCoast Wind’s construction and operations plan and asked to pause Nantucket’s lawsuit challenging the approval.
  • The Transportation Department canceled $679 million for a dozen offshore wind support projects, with the agency saying funds will be redirected to port and infrastructure upgrades where possible.
  • Interior halted construction on the nearly complete $4 billion Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island and Connecticut to conduct a review that it said involves national security concerns.
  • SouthCoast Wind, owned by Ocean Winds North America (an EDP Renewables and Engie joint venture), is designed for more than 2.4 gigawatts over 30 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and 20 miles south of Nantucket, with a BOEM estimate of powering up to 840,000 homes and businesses.
  • Nantucket said it supports the government’s request to pause the case, while Revolution Wind developer Ørsted is evaluating the financial impact of the construction stop and considering legal action.