Vineyard Wind Faces Supreme Court Scrutiny Over Whale Protections

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ACK for Whales has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review federal approvals for the Vineyard Wind project, citing risks to endangered North Atlantic right whales.

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The Supreme Court will decide in January 2025 whether to hear the case, with odds for review at only 1%.

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ACK for Whales alleges that federal agencies violated the Endangered Species Act by inadequately assessing cumulative environmental impacts.

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The Department of Justice argues that environmental assessments were thorough and compliant with legal standards.

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The petition points to specific incidents, including blade debris from Vineyard Wind turbines washing ashore in Nantucket.

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The case arises in the context of the Supreme Court's recent overturn of the Chevron doctrine, which may influence regulatory interpretations.

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Critics argue that the push for renewable energy development has overridden key environmental protections.

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The DOJ maintains that the Vineyard Wind project will not harm North Atlantic right whale populations, based on updated environmental opinions.

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