The town and county of Nantucket has filed an appeal in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) over its approval of the SouthCoast Wind project. Nantucket argues that BOEM violated federal laws by failing to address the project’s adverse effects on the island’s historic district, which is central to its heritage tourism economy.
SouthCoast Wind, wholly owned by Ocean Winds—a joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie—plans to install up to 141 wind turbines near Nantucket. Officials claim BOEM ignored efforts to balance renewable energy goals with historic preservation and failed to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Concerns include the potential impact on Nantucket’s seascape and the risk of turbine failures, citing a 2024 Vineyard Wind incident that scattered debris along the coast. Nantucket is seeking accountability to prevent long-term harm to its community and environment.
