President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his opposition to new wind energy projects, citing economic impracticality and concerns about marine life. Trump stated that wind energy is significantly more expensive than natural gas and criticized the subsidies provided by the federal government for windmill production.
Trump highlighted potential harm to marine life, specifically referencing an increase in whale deaths in Massachusetts that he attributed to wind turbines. However, the National Marine Fisheries Service has stated that there is currently no evidence linking wind turbines to whale deaths.
Some environmental groups, such as Green Oceans, have raised concerns about the impact of wind turbines on ocean life due to increased ship traffic and noise pollution. Trump's stance on wind energy has drawn criticism from Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, who accused him of being out of touch with the country's energy needs.
Wind energy is currently the largest source of renewable energy in the U.S., according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Despite its environmental benefits, wind energy has faced opposition from some members of the GOP who have raised concerns about its potential negative effects.
In contrast, President Joe Biden has been a proponent of wind energy, making significant investments in offshore wind projects as part of his green energy initiatives. Biden has approved the nation's first 11 commercial-scale offshore wind projects in recent years.
