Harford News

Today, Congressman Andy Harris issued a statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) finding that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) improperly issued its final permit decision for the U.S. Wind offshore project near Ocean City, Maryland.

The EPA communicated to MDE Secretary Serena McIlwain that there were multiple legal errors in approving the US Wind permit. These included providing misleading information about the public's right to appeal under federal law. The EPA now requires MDE to reissue the permit following proper federal procedures, as failing to correct these issues could lead to the permit being invalidated on appeal.

Congressman Harris stated: "The EPA has confirmed what many of us knew for years — this project was approved with glaring procedural and legal flaws. The Maryland Department of the Environment had no business directing the public to appeal a federal permit to a state court, and such a decision showed both incompetence and a disregard for public input from my affected constituents in Worcester County."

Harris emphasized that his constituents have consistently opposed offshore wind projects along their coast. He added, "This ruling is a major victory for the Eastern Shore, the environment, and our local economies that are existentially threatened by this project."

For further information or media inquiries, Anna Adamian can be contacted at Anna.A@mail.house.gov.