A federal lawsuit was filed by Ocean City, MD concerning the proposed near-shore wind farm project intended to be located around 10 miles off the shore of the municipality coast in Worcester County. 

According to the Baltimore Banner, government officials in Ocean City, MD have filed a lawsuit in federal court concerning the approval process for a wind farm. The plaintiff, Ocean City, argues that the assessment violated a number of federal laws designed to protect the environment, wildlife, and historic sites in the area. Comments from the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Governor of Maryland, and the developer of the project, U.S. Wind, could not be obtained when the article was published. The article did, however cite prior comments from U.S. Wind stating that:

“Ocean City’s lack of cooperation with its effort wouldn’t hamper the project. The company has said it intends to begin construction next year and aims to bring turbines online in 2026.”

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan noted, in comments to the media following the lawsuit filing, that they have made unsuccessful attempts to work with state and government officials but feel they have been left with no remaining options other than going to court.

Read the full Baltimore Banner article. 

Counties are also no strangers to frustrations around the siting of energy projects. It has been a topic of conversation for local governments and broader stakeholders for years. As the deadline to meet the state’s goals for clean energy production is fast approaching, disputes and frustrations continue to mount.

In an effort to understand how the project siting process works and how it could be improved, county attorneys will come together with energy leaders in Maryland at the 2024 MACo Winter Conference to discuss this important issue ahead of the 2025 legislative session. In the attorneys affiliate session, “Who Holds the Power? Balancing Renewable Energy Interests,” an esteemed panel of stakeholders will explore this topic.