EPA Challenges Maryland's Offshore Wind Farm Permit Process
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified a procedural error in Maryland's permit issuance for an offshore wind farm, potentially affecting the project's timeline and legal standing.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised concerns over the permit issuance process for an offshore wind farm planned off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland. In a letter dated July 7, the EPA pointed out that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) incorrectly outlined the appeal process for the construction permit awarded to US Wind. According to EPA Region 3 Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey, appeals should be filed with the EPA’s Environmental Appeals Board, not state courts as stated by MDE.
This discrepancy could lead to the permit's invalidation if not corrected, causing confusion among stakeholders regarding the proper venue for appeals. MDE spokesperson Jay Apperson stated the agency is reviewing the EPA's letter, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and legal compliance. US Wind expressed confidence in the validity of their project's permits.
The contested permit, issued by MDE’s Air and Radiation Administration, concluded that the offshore wind project would not violate air pollution regulations. This permit is crucial for the US Wind project, which, after nearly a decade in development, is the closest to construction among Maryland's planned offshore wind farms.