The US Department of Justice has asked a federal court to pause Nantucket’s appeal against the SouthCoast Wind permit while the government reconsiders its approval. The Town of Nantucket supports the move, having previously argued that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) failed to comply with federal environmental and cultural protection laws. SouthCoast Wind opposes the pause.
Nantucket filed its appeal in March 2025, citing risks to historic preservation, coastal ecosystems and Tribal Nations, as well as potential economic impacts on the island’s maritime and heritage tourism industries. The town maintains it supports renewable energy but insists that projects must comply with environmental safeguards and not place disproportionate risks on local communities.
The Department of Justice is expected to formally move for reconsideration of the permit before 18 September. If the court denies the request, Nantucket’s appeal will proceed. SouthCoast Wind is one of nine projects proposed near Nantucket, together involving up to 743 turbines.
