September 13 (Reuters) – A U.S. fishing group on Monday sued the Biden administration for its approval of the massive Vineyard Wind offshore wind project off the east coast, saying the government had failed to address concerns about the industry regarding its potential impacts on safety and the environment.

This development is the latest in a series of clashes between the fishing industry and public and private efforts to create a new domestic renewable energy industry to help wean the economy off fossil fuels and tackle climate change. .

Fishing interests see offshore wind as a threat to catches of critical stocks, including squid, scallops and clams, saying the huge wind turbines would interfere with navigation and alter habitats. If built, Vineyard Wind would be the country’s first large offshore wind farm.

The Responsible Offshore Development Alliance, which defends the interests of the fishing industry in offshore wind development, said it has filed a brief petition with the U.S. 1st Court of Appeals in Boston. The petition asks the court to review the administration’s approval of the project.

“This action is the culmination of many years of conscientious participation by fishing professionals, only to see their expertise and value summarily ignored by decision makers during the rental process,” the alliance said in a statement.

A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, which approved the project, declined to comment on the petition.

The Biden administration approved Vineyard Wind in May. The facility is jointly owned by Orange, Connecticut-based Avangrid Inc (AGR.N) and Danish investment firm Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and will be located 14 miles off the coast of Massachusetts near Martha’s Vineyard .

Offshore wind is a centerpiece of President Joe Biden’s agenda to fight global warming. His administration is looking to add 30 gigawatts of power to the country’s waters in just nine years.

Opposition from commercial fishing fleets is widely seen as a major threat to this goal and has already contributed to delays in granting permits for the country’s first commercial scale projects.

Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Aurora Ellis

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