Offshore wind developer Ocean Winds has pledged to “vigorously defend” its federal permits for the 2,400-megawatt SouthCoast Wind project off the coast of Massachusetts, following a move by the Trump administration to re-examine the project’s construction and operations plan (COP).
In a statement, Ocean Winds said it would challenge any effort to revoke or delay the project’s progress, emphasizing the importance of regulatory stability for infrastructure development in the United States.
“Stable permitting for American infrastructure projects should be of top concern for anyone who wants to see continued investment in the United States,” the company said. “Ocean Winds intends to vigorously defend our permits in federal court.”
The COP for SouthCoast Wind was approved by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) after what Ocean Winds described as a “rigorous four-year review.” The company said the process included broad stakeholder engagement, including input from federal and state agencies, commercial ocean users, Tribal Nations, and other interested parties.
The review of the permits comes at a time of increased scrutiny over offshore wind developments, with potential implications for broader renewable energy deployment across the U.S.
Industry group Oceantic Network expressed concern over the administration’s decision to revisit the COP. In a statement, CEO Liz Burdock said the move could disrupt regional energy planning and economic development.
“Yesterday’s federal action remanding SouthCoast Wind’s Construction and Operations Plan undermines a critical source of American-made energy at a time when New England needs it most,” Burdock said. “Revoking approval at this late stage, after years of careful permitting, environmental review, and private investment, threatens to stall broader American energy deployment, increase electric bills for millions of businesses and families, jeopardize thousands of jobs, and damage our country’s credibility on the global stage.”
According to Oceantic, the SouthCoast Wind project is expected to bring significant investment to the U.S. economy, including $2 billion for the domestic maritime sector, $500 million in shipbuilding, and $300 million in port infrastructure. The total project cost is projected to exceed $6 billion.
The review adds uncertainty to the future of one of the region’s largest offshore wind initiatives, as developers and industry stakeholders await further clarification from federal agencies.
