Offshore

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

Ocean City Allies in Legal Battle Against Offshore Wind Farm Initiative

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Ocean City, Maryland – In a significant legal move, the town of Ocean City, together with several local entities, has initiated a lawsuit against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) concerning a proposed offshore wind project by US Wind. This collaborative action includes participants such as the Town Council of Fenwick Island, Worcester County Commissioners, and various associations representing industries from hotels and real estate to fishing. The lawsuit, announced via a press release from the town’s website, underscores the community’s concerns over the potential environmental and economic impacts of erecting 1143 wind turbines … Read more

Federal Judge Halts Alaska Offshore Drilling to Protect Endangered Beluga Whales

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Anchorage, Alaska — A federal court has recently overturned an offshore drilling project in Alaska’s Cook Inlet, striking a significant victory for environmentalists. The decision to block the venture underlines ongoing tensions between energy development and environmental conservation. The disputed action was part of mandatory offshore drilling lease sales driven by the Inflation Reduction Act, a resolution heavily influenced by Senator Joe Manchin as a trade-off for promoting offshore wind projects, which are a central focus of the Biden administration. U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason decided on Tuesday that the federal environmental review inadequately addressed … Read more