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Delegation hears congressman outline presidential executive order and review of offshore wind leases
Summary
Congressman Andy Harris told the Eastern Shore delegation that a presidential executive order paused new offshore wind lease sales and ordered a review of existing leases, and said the Ocean City lease could be vulnerable to revocation pending the review and possible legal action.
U.S. Rep. Andy Harris briefed the Eastern Shore delegation on a presidential executive order directing a review of offshore wind lease sales and operating permits and on potential next steps for projects off Maryland's coast.
Harris said Monday’s executive order "eliminated the sales of new leases off for offshore wind and then took the step of, telling the Department of the Interior, to investigate the current leases" to determine whether environmental, commercial or national security considerations were adequately examined. He described the review as a multi-agency effort that could lead to revoking permits issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
"I foresee in the end what the most likely outcome is that at some point in the future they withdraw that operation permit that was issued in December," Harris said, referring to a permit tied to the Ocean City project. He said the administration aims to work with the Department of Justice where litigation or contract rescission could be necessary.
Delegation members from Ocean City and Worcester County affirmed Harris's leadership on the issue and said local stakeholders had long raised concerns about fisheries, navigation and interference with military operations. Harris said the executive order directs a broad review including "negative impacts on navigational safety ... national security interest ... commercial fishing industry, and marine mammals." He urged the delegation to meet with the new Interior secretary and said he and allies such as Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ) would press the case in the administration.
Ending: Harris said the review and potential litigation are ongoing and that he expects further federal engagement; delegation members from Ocean City welcomed the development and signaled continued collaboration with the congressman.
