Shell and EDF's joint venture, Atlantic Shores, has encountered another obstacle in its pursuit of developing its 2.8GW offshore wind project. The latest setback comes from the appeals division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has directed the agency to reassess an air quality permit initially issued for the project.
The appeals board, which reviews complaints and appeals related to the EPA, was examining a complaint filed in October by a group opposed to offshore wind development. The EPA itself subsequently filed a motion in February to reconsider the permit, prompted by a directive from former President Donald Trump in January. The directive called for a review of all existing permitting practices for offshore wind projects.
The Atlantic Shores project has been in limbo since the cancellation of New Jersey's fourth solicitation in February, followed by Shell's decision to halt further investments in the U.S. offshore wind sector.
A company representative commented, “The continued regulatory review adds further uncertainty to the timeline for the Atlantic Shores project, but we remain committed to exploring all avenues to advance offshore wind energy development.”
This latest development highlights ongoing regulatory challenges facing the U.S. offshore wind industry, which has seen a series of regulatory shifts under the previous administration.
