President-elect Donald Trump has directed a New Jersey congressman to draft an executive order aimed at stopping offshore wind energy projects. Offshore wind plays a crucial role in transitioning to a carbon-neutral electric grid, as the power sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Trump, who pledged to dismantle the offshore wind industry during his campaign, aims to prioritize fossil fuel production to achieve cost-effective energy solutions.
Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew revealed that Trump supports his initiative to halt offshore wind development from Rhode Island to Virginia for six months. The draft order is intended to allow the incoming Interior secretary to review the impact of wind farms on various sectors, including fishing, tourism, and utility bills. The American Clean Power Association reports that nearly 65 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity are in development in the U.S., sufficient to power millions of homes.
During a Senate confirmation hearing, Trump's Interior secretary nominee, Doug Burgum, emphasized the need for a balanced energy mix that includes continuous power sources. Burgum committed to evaluating existing offshore wind leases to ensure alignment with Trump's energy policies. Despite concerns raised by environmental groups, Trump is determined to curtail offshore wind projects, citing unsubstantiated claims about their negative effects.
While Van Drew anticipates Trump issuing an executive order on offshore wind in the first quarter of the year, industry experts warn that such actions could hinder national security and job growth. In contrast, the Biden administration has championed offshore wind as a key solution to combat climate change, setting ambitious targets for clean energy deployment by 2030 and beyond.
The U.S. recently celebrated the opening of its first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, marking a significant milestone in the country's renewable energy journey. With multiple offshore wind projects approved and in progress, the nation is poised to harness clean energy to power millions of homes and drive economic growth.
