On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior reversed its April 16 stop work order and allowed the $5 billion, 2 GW, Empire Wind project 12 miles south of Long Island to proceed. The move follows an intensive lobbying effort by the project’s developer, Equinor ASA, who coordinated with federal, state, and city
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
First Circuit Rejects Challenges to Federal Permits for Vineyard Wind 1
By Peter Knight, John Casey & Guest Contributor on
Posted in Environmental Compliance & Permitting
Below is an excerpt of a legal update co-authored with Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Eden Yerby.
In companion rulings favoring offshore wind developers and federal agencies, the First Circuit Court of Appeals recently affirmed rulings issued by the District Court (D. Mass.) and dismissed challenges brought by two Vineyard Wind opponents concerning…
Favorable Winds for Offshore Development – Inflation Reduction Act and Other Updates
By Peter Knight & John Casey on
Posted in Environmental, Social, and Governance
The offshore wind industry stands to gain additional momentum this summer as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) moves through Congress to its anticipated passage. The budget reconciliation package associated with the bill continues to reflect a substantial investment in the further development of renewable energy measures, several of which relate to offshore wind and related…
Nantucket Group Challenges Vineyard Wind Project in Federal Court
By Chris Eddy on
Posted in Environmental Enforcement
On August 25, 2021, the Nantucket Residents Against Turbines (ACK RATs) filed a complaint challenging the recent Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed Vineyard Wind project to build wind turbines off the southern coasts of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. ACK RATs’ chief concern is the potential impact that the Vineyard Wind project will have…