Ocean City, Worcester County Seek Federal Offshore Wind Moratorium

A delegation of Maryland officials, including Ocean City leaders and state legislators, traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby for a federal moratorium on offshore wind projects off the Maryland coast, citing concerns over negative impacts on tourism, fishing, marine life, military operations, and increased costs for ratepayers and businesses. They met with members of Congress and emphasized the local opposition to the proposed US Wind project, arguing it would industrialize the ocean and threaten key regional industries. The officials referenced recent federal halts of similar offshore wind projects in other states to bolster their case for a moratorium in Maryland. In response, US Wind stated that its project could provide significant clean energy benefits, power over 600,000 homes, and create local jobs, arguing that offshore wind is critical for reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Proponents of the project maintain that it is vital for addressing climate change, while opponents continue to press for more thorough consideration of the project's economic and environmental costs. The growing opposition movement is seeking to leverage federal decision-making to pause or halt the development process.