On Monday, President Donald Trump froze all new offshore wind leases on the outer continental shelf, fulfilling his campaign promise to curb renewable energy expansion and drawing scrutiny from industry leaders and environmental groups, The Hill reported.
The move blocks the issuance of new or renewed leases but leaves existing agreements for wind, oil, and gas.
The president has consistently criticized offshore wind development, claiming it threatens birds and whales. Although recent surveys suggest that most Americans favor expanding renewable sources, Trump has maintained that offshore turbines pose risks to marine life and coastal communities.
The executive order directs the Interior Department to lead a comprehensive review of the environmental impacts of offshore wind in coordination with the Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce departments.
The review will focus on how turbines affect bird and marine mammal populations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has previously said this issue lacks a clear scientific link to whale fatalities.
Trump vowed to take action against offshore wind on the campaign trail and during his transition period, citing it as a priority for his administration.
Earlier this month, Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., representing a coastal district in southern New Jersey, said he was drafting an executive order on offshore wind. His district has seen extensive debate over planned wind farms near beach communities, with some local officials backing the projects for their economic potential and others warning of long-term environmental consequences.
Meanwhile, the National Ocean Industries Association warned that halting new offshore wind leases could set the industry back.
"Many offshore wind projects have been approved or are close to approval after undergoing years of reviews," NOIA President Erik Milito said in a statement. "In any emerging industry, even minor delays can lead to multi-year setbacks, resulting in bottlenecks and higher costs that ultimately impact energy consumers. Our member companies throughout the oil and gas supply chain are beneficiaries of economic growth that flows from investment in offshore wind projects."
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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