Energy Law Report Runs Akin Gump Article on Impact of Jones Act Amendments on Offshore Wind Projects

Energy Law Report has published the article "As Offshore Wind Energy Projects Expand, so too Does the Reach of the Jones Act" authored by Akin Gump international trade partners Lars Hjelm and Suzanne Kane and associates Sarah Kirwin and Meaghan Jennison. The article, adapted from an Akin Gump client alert, discusses the recent amendment to the Jones Act and its impact on stakeholders involved in offshore industries.

According to the authors, the amendment requires that these stakeholders reassess their Jones Act compliance programs, adding, "These changes are likely to increase the regulatory considerations for stakeholders involved in wind energy production, offshore construction and other offshore industries that rely on vessel transportation, particularly in light of strong support from the executive branch for these recent Jones Act jurisdictional developments."

Looking to the future, the authors note that there is still ambiguity around the definition of "vessel equipment" and recommend that stakeholders involved in offshore construction projects seek rulings from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to "elucidate the Jones Act's application to transported equipment and supplies and, where applicable, seek waivers for the use of foreign vessels and crews."

To read the full article, click here.