Offshore wind initiatives are facing a wave of legal challenges that could delay green energy projects or even scrap them altogether. Currently, 13 lawsuits are making their way through federal courts, as reported by the American Clean Power Association, with more cases potentially active in state jurisdictions.
Since the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden Administration has actively supported renewable energy as part of its Green Economy strategy, promoting job growth and higher wages in the clean energy sector.
Yet, the enthusiasm for these projects isn’t unanimous. Many residents near proposed sites fear the disruption that comes with construction and the lasting changes these developments may bring to their communities.
Groups like Protect Our Coast NJ, led by Robin Shaffer, have filed multiple lawsuits against offshore projects in New Jersey, claiming to have significantly influenced the decision of Orsted to cancel two of its planned wind farms due to financial impracticalities linked to ongoing litigation. “Our legal actions raise doubts among investors,” Shaffer noted. “We caused Orsted to reconsider their commitment to Ocean Wind due to the uncertainty surrounding our lawsuits and another filed by Cape May County.”
Despite opposition, construction on New York’s largest offshore wind farm has begun. The Sunrise Wind Project promises to create 800 direct jobs and power around 600,000 homes, representing a $700 million investment in Suffolk County.
Supporters emphasize the necessity of offshore wind to address climate change, which they argue poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems. “Offshore wind projects go through extensive environmental assessments and public commentary periods,” explained Jason Ryan, a representative for the Clean Power Association.
Paulina O’Connor, director of the New Jersey Offshore Wind Alliance, expressed disappointment over the legal pushback in light of recent record-breaking heat. A new lawsuit by Save LBI alleges that the Atlantic Shores project could violate local noise regulations during construction. Atlantic Shores has yet to comment on the situation.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, a group of Indigenous tribes in Oregon has filed a lawsuit against the federal government regarding upcoming offshore wind energy auctions.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press