Trump's War on Offshore Wind Power: The Tide Turns Against Him
A significant shift in momentum has come to an end in Donald Trump's administration's efforts to sabotage the development of offshore wind power projects along the US east coast. Federal judges have rejected the administration's claims, allowing construction to resume on four major projects that were halted just days earlier.
The stop-work orders, issued by the Trump administration in December, cited "reasons of national security" as justification for halting the projects. However, judges across different jurisdictions have ruled against these claims, stating that they amount to a pretext to undermine wind power. The senior north-east regional policy manager at the climate non-profit Clean Air Task Force, John Carlson, noted that the administration's arguments are "broadly rejected" by the courts.
While it may seem like Trump has won this round, industry experts say that he is actually losing ground in his war on offshore wind power. The projects now allowed to proceed will contribute nearly five gigawatts of energy to the east coast, enough to power 3.5 million homes.
Experts point out that offshore wind is a critical energy source for north-eastern states, which are facing an energy affordability crisis. The development of these projects has been hindered by the Trump administration's disinformation campaigns and stop-work orders, which have not only contributed to the energy affordability crisis but also undermined America's permitting process.
Despite this setback, Trump still seems determined to undermine the growth of offshore wind power. In a recent meeting with oil and gas executives, he stated that "my goal is to not let any windmill be built," labeling wind turbines as "losers." However, experts say that this stance is unwavering but ultimately doomed to fail.
The fossil fuel-funded disinformation campaigns have had a significant impact on the industry, causing it to go into a temporary coma. According to policy whiplash expert Kris Ohleth, the US has become a "cartel system" where developers need to please the powers at the top to build something.
Looking ahead to 2029, experts are optimistic that a new administration will take a different stance on offshore wind power. Ohleth stated that the industry is working with friendly states to develop transmission reforms, procurement reform, and permitting updates. When the next administration comes in, she expects the industry to be ready.
While it may seem like Trump's war on offshore wind power has reached its peak, experts say that he will continue to throw obstacles at the industry. However, Ohleth remains confident that they will ultimately win the war. As the industry continues to push forward with new projects and transmission upgrades, one thing is clear: the tide has turned in favor of offshore wind power.
A significant shift in momentum has come to an end in Donald Trump's administration's efforts to sabotage the development of offshore wind power projects along the US east coast. Federal judges have rejected the administration's claims, allowing construction to resume on four major projects that were halted just days earlier.
The stop-work orders, issued by the Trump administration in December, cited "reasons of national security" as justification for halting the projects. However, judges across different jurisdictions have ruled against these claims, stating that they amount to a pretext to undermine wind power. The senior north-east regional policy manager at the climate non-profit Clean Air Task Force, John Carlson, noted that the administration's arguments are "broadly rejected" by the courts.
While it may seem like Trump has won this round, industry experts say that he is actually losing ground in his war on offshore wind power. The projects now allowed to proceed will contribute nearly five gigawatts of energy to the east coast, enough to power 3.5 million homes.
Experts point out that offshore wind is a critical energy source for north-eastern states, which are facing an energy affordability crisis. The development of these projects has been hindered by the Trump administration's disinformation campaigns and stop-work orders, which have not only contributed to the energy affordability crisis but also undermined America's permitting process.
Despite this setback, Trump still seems determined to undermine the growth of offshore wind power. In a recent meeting with oil and gas executives, he stated that "my goal is to not let any windmill be built," labeling wind turbines as "losers." However, experts say that this stance is unwavering but ultimately doomed to fail.
The fossil fuel-funded disinformation campaigns have had a significant impact on the industry, causing it to go into a temporary coma. According to policy whiplash expert Kris Ohleth, the US has become a "cartel system" where developers need to please the powers at the top to build something.
Looking ahead to 2029, experts are optimistic that a new administration will take a different stance on offshore wind power. Ohleth stated that the industry is working with friendly states to develop transmission reforms, procurement reform, and permitting updates. When the next administration comes in, she expects the industry to be ready.
While it may seem like Trump's war on offshore wind power has reached its peak, experts say that he will continue to throw obstacles at the industry. However, Ohleth remains confident that they will ultimately win the war. As the industry continues to push forward with new projects and transmission upgrades, one thing is clear: the tide has turned in favor of offshore wind power.