In an under-the-radar move, the US government allowed an energy organization working on an offshore wind venture off Massachusetts' coast to forgo taxpayer protection fees. This came to light after assessments of internal paperwork by independent parties.

Specifically, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) notified Vineyard Wind about the relinquishment of a decommissioning costs assurance fee on June 15, 2021, according to a letter procured by civic watchdog Protect the Public's Trust (PPT).

Under federal law, developers are typically required to remit such a fee before initiating construction on their leased land, which ensures that the federal property will be restored to its original condition upon lease termination.

Michael Chamberlain, the director of PPT, aired his dismay to the press, rhetorically asking if there existed worse optics than this scenario. The director's criticism stems from the perception that this act undermines the administration's declaration of being the ethical standard-bearer.

Chamberlain highlighted that the recent Deputy Interior Secretary, Tommy Beadreau, was at one time professionally connected with the Vineyard Wind project. Beadreau served as a legal advisory at Latham & Watkins and has shown to have formerly represented Vineyard Wind, as evidenced by his 2021 financial disclosure.

In an under-the-radar move, the US government allowed an energy organization working on an offshore wind venture off Massachusetts' coast to forgo taxpayer protection fees. This came to light after assessments of internal paperwork by independent parties.
Specifically, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) notified Vineyard Wind about the relinquishment of a decommissioning costs assurance fee on June 15, 2021, according to a letter procured by civic watchdog Protect the Public's Trust (PPT).
Under federal law, developers are typically required to remit such a fee before initiating construction on their leased land, which ensures that the federal property will be restored to its original condition upon lease termination.
Michael Chamberlain, the director of PPT, aired his dismay to the press, rhetorically asking if there existed worse optics than this scenario. The director's criticism stems from the perception that this act undermines the administration's declaration of being the ethical standard-bearer.
Chamberlain highlighted that the recent Deputy Interior Secretary, Tommy Beadreau, was at one time professionally connected with the Vineyard Wind project. Beadreau served as a legal advisory at Latham &amp; Watkins and has shown to have formerly represented Vineyard Wind, as evidenced by his 2021 financial disclosure.

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