ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Freedom Caucus on Tuesday lauded the Trump administration for its decision to halt an offshore wind project off the state’s coast, calling the move a victory for the economy and a rejection of what they called a “failed energy experiment.”
The caucus praised President Donald J. Trump and the Department of Justice for withdrawing federal approval for the U.S. Wind project, which they said threatened Maryland’s economy, environment, and coastal communities. According to a recent court filing by the Department of Justice, the administration intends to revoke the approval of the project’s construction and operation plan by September 12.
The group credited Ocean City leaders and Maryland’s lone Republican member of Congress, Rep. Andy Harris, for their “steadfast” opposition to the project.
“The collapse of Governor Moore’s offshore wind project proves what we’ve been saying all along: it’s unreliable, unaffordable, and harmful to Maryland’s economy and environment,” said Delegate Ryan Nawrocki, the caucus’s whip. “Families are already struggling with high energy costs, and this failed experiment would have only worsened things.”
The press release from the Maryland Freedom Caucus stated that offshore wind is an “agenda-driven energy scam” that has not lived up to its promises. The caucus has consistently advocated for a different energy strategy, which includes keeping existing power plants open, converting facilities to natural gas, and expanding nuclear power.
“For more than a decade, politicians ignored the will of Ocean City residents and visitors, pouring over $55 million into a failed offshore wind plan with nothing to show but broken promises,” said Delegate Kathy Szeliga, the caucus’s vice chair. “It’s time to pull the plug and focus on proven energy solutions.”
The caucus views the Trump administration’s decision as a validation of its energy platform, which it describes as being rooted in affordability, reliability, and “common sense.”
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