The United States has its first large offshore wind farm, with more to come

You do realize that projects like this go through extensive environmental impact studies don't you? Heck you can't even build a high rise condominium without one. When I was a deputy operations commander we had a simple new flying squadron building that had been delayed over 2 years awaiting an environmental impact approval. Hey, and out at sea eagles are safe from the windmills!

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen - The last 15 years of my professional life I was in charge of evaluating and coordinating NEPA resources on complex issues for a Bureau over the eastern half of our state. I have successfully written biological assessments gaining concurrence from USFWS and everyone else in between for many resources.
When a project is pushed through politically I believe they grant waivers if the President is willing to sign off on it. It is secretive because politicians don’t want to admit when they break the regulations in favor of actions they want to take. I personally believe these waivers exist for our nation in a time of crisis and/or national security, not for some wind farm that may be causing the extension of some of our whales. I could be wrong, these decisions were made way over my pay grade.

Too many people have too many eyes on these projects, particularly with the many fights in and outside the courts coming from both sides. A political exemption or waiver on such a project would be the death of that project.

SSG(P) Brian Kliesen I can see how some can believe as you do. I do not.

They have points, but I've worked with them and they're also the marine version of the Sierra club. Lots of well minded "tree hugger" types.

So much potential energy available offshore. I did a term paper on tidal energy generation from the Bay of Fundy when in high school. Technology not really there then, but it is now.