Wind Power in U.S. Faces Hit From Trump’s Executive Order
New York TimesJan 24
Trump Executive Order Freezes Wind Energy Projects
story
Above: A bumper sticker against wind turbines on a truck in Nantucket, Mass. on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. Image copyright: Scott Eisen/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
Pres. Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order temporarily halting offshore wind lease sales in federal waters and pausing approvals, permits, and loans for both onshore and offshore wind projects — marking a significant shift in US energy policy.
The order directs the Interior Department to conduct a "comprehensive review" of wind leasing and permitting practices — focusing on environmental impacts on wildlife, economic costs of intermittent generation, and the effect of subsidies on industry viability.
The order specifically targets the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho, implementing a temporary moratorium on development activities despite previous federal approval in December 2024.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Halting wind energy projects is essential for protecting wildlife and coastal communities while ensuring affordable energy prices for all Americans. Wind turbines pose significant risks to marine life and provide unreliable power generation. And they require too many financial subsidies to remain viable. Trump should be applauded.
Democratic narrative
Trump is putting American energy independence at risk and possibly costing the US jobs, while also potentially increasing consumer energy costs in states heavily reliant on wind power. This decision ignores scientific evidence about wind energy's benefits and true threats to marine life. It will set back progress on renewable energy development by years.
