Green Oceans Applauds the Department of Interior's Order Rescinding Designated Wind Energy Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf
Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has announced bold and definitive action to correct misguided leasing policy practices for offshore wind development.
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'Secretary Burgum's Order will restore the integrity of the process,' said Dr. Lisa Quattrocki Knight, President of Green Oceans. 'We urge the Solicitor to recommend a remand of these unjustified approvals to restore proper oversight to our ocean.'
Green Oceans has raised concerns about granting leases and permits despite serious risks to the environment, economy, and national security—and without clear, proven benefits or a full understanding of the long-term harm. Our commissioned report, Cancelling Offshore Wind Leases, inspired by the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025, compiles wind leasing and permitting practices, and provides justification for immediate intervention, both on legal and policy grounds.
Green Oceans also commends Secretary of the Interior Douglas Burgum for issuing Order No. 3437, 'Ending Preferential Treatment for Unreliable, Foreign-Controlled Energy Sources in Department Decision Making.'
The Order directs the Department's Solicitor to review all pending litigation and recommend, within 45 days, whether Records of Decision for wind projects should be remanded—an action that could impact the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind projects, both currently under federal challenge.
Green Oceans has led a coalition of 35 co-plaintiffs in lawsuits against both projects and has actively petitioned multiple agencies to halt construction and reconsider federal approvals based on environmental, national security, and legal grounds. Green Oceans stands ready to assist in the review process and calls on the Department to act swiftly in the public interest.
About Green Oceans
Green Oceans is a nonprofit, non-partisan group of community members dedicated to the preservation and protection of our nation's marine ecosystems and coastal communities. For more information or to get involved, visit: https://green-oceans.org/.
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