Ocean City, MD – Join a panel of nationally-recognized, subject-matter experts to analyze how U.S. Wind’s proposal to construct a windfarm beginning roughly 10.7 miles off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland could devastate coastal economies, marine ecosystems, public safety, and energy costs. This public forum will take place Monday, January 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street in Ocean City.
Panelists will examine the proposed U.S. Wind project to install 114 turbines towering 938 feet above the ocean’s surface, as well as similar Mid-Atlantic projects currently progressing through federal permitting, power purchase agreement approvals, interconnection planning, and construction-phase preparations. Specifically, they will examine both the individual and cumulative impacts to Maryland involving the following issues:
- Commercial & Recreational Fishing – displacement of fishing grounds, navigational constraints, gear conflicts, and long-term effects on Worcester County’s historic commercial and recreational fishing industries
- Economic Cost to Ratepayers – analysis of offshore wind power purchase agreements and transmission costs on electricity rates
- Environmental Impacts – risks to marine mammals, migratory birds, and fish populations during construction and operations
- Marine Habitat and Water Quality – seabed disturbance, sediment resuspension, and long-term ecosystem considerations
- Tourism-Based Economy – visual, access, and perception impacts on Ocean City and Maryland’s Coast, where tourism is a cornerstone of regional employment and tax revenue, in light of U.S. Wind’s project rating of Visibility Level 5 – attract strong attention, create a notable contrast against the open ocean horizon, and occupy a significant portion of the horizon
- National Security & Maritime Safety Given Proximity to Wallops Flight Facility and Greater Washington, D.C. Region – electromagnetic reflectivity impacts from offshore turbines on radar performance and electromagnetic systems, military training and restricted airspace, commercial and recreational vessel traffic, and coordination of maritime emergency responses
Panelists will also outline recent federal, state, and judicial actions affecting offshore wind projects, including schedule delays, cost escalations, and reassessments across the Mid-Atlantic.
“Maryland is at a decision point,” Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said. “The U.S. Wind project is not just some abstract proposal. Under the Biden administration, the project was fast-tracked, bypassing the rigorous scrutiny typically required throughout the permit review process for such a massive undertaking.”
The purpose of the panel is to provide clarity and present data and expert perspectives involving the ramifications of offshore wind to Worcester County and Sussex County residents and visitors, as well as all Marylanders. This event is being hosted by Stop Offshore Wind, in coordination with the Town of Ocean City and Worcester County Government.
All members of the public, including but not limited to residents, business owners, fishermen, tourism professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders, are invited to attend in person or to view the panel live online at https://stopoffshorewind.com/.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Bernie Merritt at bernie@stopoffshorewind.com.