EXCLUSIVE: First major U.S. offshore wind energy project hits snag due to fishing-industry concerns by nicholagroom
- Trump administration infighting is holding up approval of the first major U.S. offshore wind energy project, with agencies sparring over whether the proposal does enough to protect the fishing industry, according to interviews and agency documents.
How the problem is resolved will shape the regulatory blueprint for a growing list of offshore wind developers seeking to tap in to rising U.S. demand for renewable energy, but who face objections from fishermen worried the turbines will affect commercial species or make fishing more difficult. But a federal environmental study crucial to its permitting has been repeatedly delayed since April, according to published government timelines, without any public explanation from Trump administration officials. Vineyard Wind has said the delays could threaten the project’s viability.
Getting the support allows the process to move more quickly, but failing to get it can force further analysis.In an April 16 letter to BOEM, Michael Pentony, regional administrator for NOAA Fisheries’ Greater Atlantic office, said his agency could not support the environmental permit for Vineyard Wind because the project failed to fully address the concerns of the fishing industry.
In a written response to Pentony, seen by Reuters, BOEM Chief Environmental Officer William Brown said the fishing industry’s concerns “do not rise to the level that would justify the likely extensive project delays and potential failure of the project.”
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