OCEAN CITY, Md. — Federal officials have announced plans to reassess their approval of the US Wind offshore wind project following lawsuits filed by the Town of Ocean City and a South Bethany property owner. The decision was disclosed in a July 28 court filing in Delaware, where the Department of the Interior also requested more time to respond to the second lawsuit. The project involves installing dozens of wind turbines about 10 to 15 miles off Ocean City’s coast to generate clean energy and create local jobs. While proponents emphasize environmental benefits and economic growth, critics fear the turbines could damage the town’s tourism-driven economy and marine ecosystems. Ocean City’s lawsuit challenges the project on environmental grounds, citing concerns about its impact on coastal character and safety. One plaintiff pointed to a similar offshore project in Nantucket where turbine blade failure scattered debris along beaches. The federal government plans to seek a voluntary remand, which would pause court proceedings as officials reconsider the earlier approval. Additionally, the government requested a delay in responding to the related Delaware case until the Maryland court rules on the remand. An extension has been requested until Sept. 5 for the government’s response in that case. With legal proceedings on hold, the future of the US Wind project remains uncertain as the Department of the Interior reviews its decision.
