The small island of Nantucket is alleging that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) broke federal law when it approved the 1,287MW SouthCoast Wind project off Massachusetts just before President Donald Trump returned to office on 20 January.
This is only the latest move in court against a major wind project. Trump has prioritised stopping offshore wind.
Nantucket’s appeal was filed in federal court in Washington DC. It names the interior department and BOEM as defendants and alleges that the 141 wind turbines of SouthCoast Wind project were permitted illegally and will harm its "heritage-tourism-driven economy". Nantucket is a picturesque island.
The appeal calls for BOEM’s project permit to be vacated and reviewed. It cites Trump’s halt – on the day he was inaugurated – of all wind power permitting in federal waters.
SouthCoast is being developed by Ocean Winds, a joint venture of EDP Renewables and Engie.
In 2024, Massachusetts agreed to buy electricity from a 1,087 MW portion of SouthCoast Wind, while neighbouring Rhode Island agreed to buy power from a 200MW portion.
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