A Maryland offshore wind project has cleared a major hurdle after the federal government gave final approval to it this week.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management finalized its Environmental Impact Statement for US Wind’s plans to construct and operate wind turbines off the coast of Maryland, the Biden-Harris administration announced Thursday.
US Wind acquired 80,000 acres of federal lease area off of Maryland’s coast in 2014. The company plans to build turbines that will generate up to 2 gigawatts of offshore wind energy.
“Today marks the culmination of years of comprehensive environmental analysis on US Wind’s proposed projects,” US Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski said in a statement. “BOEM’s Record of Decision brings us another step closer to securing final approvals later this year and getting steel in the water. We’re eager to advance Maryland’s offshore wind goals and support good jobs in the region for decades to come.”
BOEM’s Record of Decision marks the end of US Wind’s National Environmental Policy Act process that has lasted the past two years. Now, the company will work to secure the remaining federal permits for the project by the end of 2024.
The Maryland Offshore Wind Project marks the 10th commercial-scale offshore wind energy project approved under the Biden administration.
The U.S. Department of the Interior, which houses the BOEM, has approved enough offshore wind energy projects to generate more than 15 gigawatts of clean energy. Once completed, they will power 5.25 million homes, according to a news release from the department.
“The clean energy future is now,” said Laura Daniel-Davis, acting deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, in a statement.
She called it a “giant leap toward” President Joe Biden’s “ambitious goal of unleashing 30 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030.”
“Thanks to President Biden’s bold Investing in America agenda, we’re tackling climate change head-on, sparking job growth, and ensuring that every community shares in the economic opportunities of this new era,” Daniel-Davis said.
White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the jobs that have been and will be created in the offshore wind industry.
“Under President Biden’s leadership, we have jumpstarted the nation’s offshore wind industry, which is creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, strengthening Made in America supply chains, and providing reliable power to homes and businesses,” Zaidi said in a statement.
Zaidi continued, “Today’s approval of our nation’s tenth offshore wind project – a total game-change from the zero projects approved before President Biden and Vice President Harris took office – shows the tremendous progress we are making to harness this economic opportunity that both benefits American workers and the planet alike. From port infrastructure upgrades and new tax credits to speeding responsible and efficient permitting, we are using every tool available to continue turbocharging this industry and delivering a clean energy future for the nation.”
BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein said in a statement, “BOEM has responded to President Biden’s ambitious vision for a clean energy future with enthusiasm, innovation and collaboration. Today’s approval of US Wind’s Maryland Offshore Wind Project reflects the best available science and invaluable insights from Tribes, government agencies, local communities, industry leaders, ocean users, and environmental groups gathered during our extensive environmental review process. As we continue to support the undeniable momentum we see along our coasts, our focus remains on fostering responsible energy development, while protecting marine life and ecosystems.”
