Ocean City, MD
The Town of Ocean City is taking a significant step in its ongoing efforts to protect its coastline and community. Ocean City has retained Marzulla Law, LLC to file a lawsuit against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) regarding the US Wind project. This action is being taken with the unified support of several key local organizations and entities, including the Town Council of Fenwick Island, the Worcester County Commissioners, Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (HMRA), Delmarva Community Managers Association (DCMA), Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC), Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Coastal Association of Realtors, the Commercial and Recreational Fishing Industry, and other local organizations and businesses, who have all agreed to be co-plaintiffs in the case.
The US Wind project, which involves the construction of 114 offshore wind turbines 10.7 miles off of Ocean City’s coast at 938ft tall, has raised substantial concerns among elected officials, residents, visitors and stakeholders of Ocean City. These concerns include potential negative impacts on the view shed, local environment, tourism industry, and the fishing community. By initiating this lawsuit, the Town of Ocean City and its co-plaintiffs aim to ensure that all necessary environmental, economic and community impacts are thoroughly evaluated and addressed.
“We have a responsibility to protect our ecosystem, our economy, view shed and our future,” stated Mayor Rick Meehan. “For the past seven and half years we have been trying to work with the State of Maryland and the federal government to address our concerns with this project. All of our concerns were either ignored or considered insignificant. It is unfortunate that it has come to this, but the Town was left with no choice but to file suit against BOEM and challenge their favorable record of decision on the US Wind project.”
Marzulla Law, LLC, a firm renowned for its expertise in environmental and property rights litigation, will lead this crucial case. The lawsuit will challenge the federal government’s approval process for the US Wind project, seeking to address the procedural and substantive issues that have been raised.
For more information on the Maryland offshore wind project, visit www.oceancitymd.gov/oc/oc-opposes-proposed-wind-farms/
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