Offshore

U.S. District Judge Revokes Work Halt on Ørsted’s Ambitious Offshore Wind Initiative

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A U.S. district judge has lifted a stop-work order that had been put in place for an offshore wind project being developed by Ørsted, a significant decision for the renewable energy sector. The ruling allows the company to resume construction on what is anticipated to be one of the largest offshore wind farms in the United States. The renewal of construction comes after Ørsted faced delays due to legal challenges and environmental regulations that temporarily halted operations. The project, located off the East Coast, aims to contribute substantially to the country’s renewable energy goals, with … Read more

Legal Battle Surges Over Waivers for California Offshore Oil Pipeline Amid Environmental Concerns

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SANTA BARBARA, Calif.— The Office of the State Fire Marshal faces legal action over its decision last December to grant operational waivers to Texas-based Sable Offshore, enabling the oil firm to resume oil production off the Gaviota Coast without certain anti-corrosion protections. The issue stems from the controversial restart of a pipeline that was central to the massive 2015 Refugio oil spill, prompting a lawsuit filed by the Environmental Defense Center (EDC). In December, waivers issued by the fire marshal allowed Sable Offshore to operate the pipeline without cathodic protection, a critical safety feature designed … Read more

Trump Confronts Legal Challenge for Expanding Offshore Drilling Operations

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Former President Donald Trump faces a new lawsuit challenging his administration’s policy expansion of offshore oil and gas leasing. Environmental activists filed the lawsuit in a federal court, arguing the expansion endangers marine ecosystems and coastal communities while exacerbating climate change. The litigation contests the Trump administration’s push to open up vast stretches of U.S. waters to drilling, which had previously been off-limits. The focus is notably on the Arctic, Atlantic, and parts of the Pacific. These areas, environmentalists say, contain fragile marine habitats that are essential not only for marine biodiversity but also for … Read more

President Lula Signs Historic Law to Propel Brazil’s Offshore Wind Energy, Boosting Economic Growth and Energy Security

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Brasilia, Brazil — President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has officially enacted new legislation aimed at bolstering Brazil’s renewable energy sector through the development of offshore wind farms. Signed on Friday, the law is set to improve the nation’s energy security and open doors for significant investment in renewable technology. The newly approved legislation frames the guidelines required for utilizing and developing wind energy resources off Brazil’s extensive coast. It details the strategic locations allowed for wind energy production including the territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone, and the continental shelf areas of Brazil. The … Read more