NOIA Statement on the Revised Permitting Schedule for Vineyard Wind

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Contact:  Justin Williams, (202) 465-8464, jwilliams@nullnoia.org

NOIA Statement on the Revised Permitting Schedule for Vineyard Wind

Washington, D.C. – National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) President Erik G. Milito issued the following statement regarding the updated permitting timeline for the Vineyard Wind 1 Project:

“The updated timeline of the permitting schedule for the Vineyard Wind project is disappointing. Regulatory delays – especially of a new industry – could open the door to unexpected and unintended bottlenecks and holdups. However, the complexity of what Interior is doing should not be forgotten. It is critically important that Interior issue a robust Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) that can withstand the automatic litigation that could be filed in an attempt to block the ascendant offshore wind industry.”

“Relatedly, as the process for completing the environmental review of the Vineyard Wind project expands, we are reminded of the critical importance in modernizing the application of the National Environmental Policy Act. The very recent NEPA reforms proposed by the Council on Environmental Quality can help ensure that multi-billion dollar U.S. investments, such as the Vineyard Wind project, do not have to face these delays in the future.

“The Vineyard Wind project is a win for the American people, the energy industry and the environment. We are optimistic that the expanded timeline for the project will ultimately clear the way for a robust U.S. offshore wind industry.”

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The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) represents and advances a dynamic and growing offshore energy industry, providing solutions that support communities and protect our workers, the public and our environment.