President-elect Donald Trump has asked New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew to draft an executive order to stop offshore wind energy projects. Offshore wind is central to transitioning the U.S. to a clean energy grid, but Trump has vowed to end the industry in favor of boosting fossil fuel production like oil, natural gas, and coal, claiming it would provide the lowest-cost energy for the nation.
Van Drew, a vocal critic of offshore wind, said he spoke with Trump about a month ago, who agreed with his stance. The draft order, which Van Drew sent to Trump’s interior secretary nominee Doug Burgum, aims to halt offshore wind development along the East Coast for six months while reviewing permits and leases. Van Drew believes the approvals didn’t fully consider the impact on industries like fishing, tourism, and wildlife, and is concerned about foreign companies building the wind farms.
Burgum, who was at his Senate confirmation hearing, acknowledged the benefits of wind power but emphasized the need for a continuous power source like fossil fuels over intermittent sources like wind and solar. He said he would review the status of ongoing wind projects once confirmed.
Van Drew hopes Trump will issue the executive order in the first quarter of the year, possibly on his first day in office, as a step toward a potential long-term moratorium on offshore wind development. Trump’s opposition to wind turbines is well-documented, with the president criticizing the costs and impacts of wind power on wildlife.
The Biden administration, in contrast, has actively supported offshore wind, aiming to deploy 30 gigawatts by 2030 and opening new lease sales for offshore wind projects. The nation’s first commercial offshore wind farm, South Fork Wind, began operations in March, marking a milestone in the U.S. wind energy industry.
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