President-elect Donald Trump has assigned a congressman from New Jersey, known for his opposition to offshore wind energy, with the task of drafting an executive order aimed at terminating offshore wind initiatives.
Offshore wind energy plays a significant role in the quest to establish an electric grid solely powered by non-carbon dioxide emitting sources. The energy sector contributes nearly one-third of the U.S.’s total greenhouse gas emissions, which are detrimental to climate stability. During his campaign, Trump pledged to eliminate the offshore wind sector upon regaining the presidency. His focus lies in increasing the production of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal—sources he argues will yield the most affordable energy and electricity for the nation.
Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew indicated that he had a conversation with Trump around a month ago, encouraging him to fulfill his campaign commitment. “I said, ‘Mr. President, we need to move on this,’ and he agreed, stating, ‘I’m against them,’” Van Drew shared. He indicated that Trump had instructed him to draft an executive order for submission.
Following this request, Van Drew quickly sent a preliminary order proposal to Doug Burgum, who has been nominated as the Secretary of the Interior. The order is intended to suspend offshore wind developments from Rhode Island to Virginia for a duration of six months, allowing the new Interior Secretary to assess the lease and permit approval processes. Van Drew expressed concerns that these approvals overlooked critical factors impacting the fishing industry, tourism, whale populations, and American energy costs, voicing apprehension regarding dependence on international renewable energy firms for these wind projects.
The Interior Department oversees offshore renewable energy development through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Currently, about 65 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity is in progress across the U.S., which has the potential to supply electricity to over 26 million homes, according to the American Clean Power Association.
During a Senate confirmation hearing, Doug Burgum was questioned by Senator Angus King from Maine about his stance on wind energy. Emphasizing North Dakota’s reliance on wind energy for over one-third of its electrical output, King urged Burgum to advocate for the positive aspects of wind energy to Trump. Burgum acknowledged the need for an electric grid with continuous power resources, instead of relying solely on intermittent sources like solar and wind.
When asked if he could ensure the continuation of offshore wind leases already established, Burgum responded, “I’m not aware of all the current projects but will certainly review them. If they are logical and sanctioned, they will proceed.” He noted that Trump has expressed trepidation regarding the substantial tax incentives provided to various energy forms.
Van Drew, however, refrained from sharing the draft order, suggesting that it might not be utilized in its entirety by Trump; he views it more as a foundational template. He anticipates the issuance of an executive order concerning offshore wind within the first three months of the year, possibly even on Trump’s initial day in office. Van Drew perceives this as a preliminary measure toward a potential moratorium on offshore wind projects.
Trump has voiced strong criticisms of wind turbines, labeling them as detrimental and costly, and has perpetuated unfounded claims regarding offshore wind’s threats to whales. Following a request for comments, Trump’s team shared transcripts from a recent press conference where he articulated intentions to establish a policy aimed at halting windmill construction.
Jason Ryan, representing the American Clean Power Association, argued that executive orders restricting offshore wind energy could jeopardize U.S. national security and hinder job growth. He emphasized that achieving energy independence requires a comprehensive approach to utilize the country’s diverse resources to meet the escalating energy demand.
The Biden administration has been actively promoting the emerging offshore wind industry to combat climate change, which it views as a critical threat. The administration has set ambitious goals of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, which would provide electricity for over 10 million households, and aims to achieve up to 15 gigawatts of energy from floating projects by 2035, sufficient to power 5 million homes.
In March, the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm opened, named South Fork Wind, located 35 miles east of Montauk Point in New York, consisting of 12 turbines. Additionally, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management conducted historic leases off the West Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, alongside the first commercial sale for floating offshore wind in the Atlantic. This past December, the agency approved its eleventh commercial offshore wind project, collectively generating over 19 gigawatts of clean energy, enough to power more than 6 million homes.
