Photo by Ryan Reinoso
The Trump administration has escalated its campaign against offshore wind development by filing plans to cancel approval for two major wind farm projects off New England, raising unprecedented concerns about regulatory stability for large infrastructure investments.
The administration moved this week to revoke permits for New England Wind 1 and 2 projects, with an estimated combined value of nearly $15 billion. The decision represents the latest in what industry observers describe as an aggressive assault on wind power that extends beyond traditional policy disagreements to target projects already under construction.
Construction halts spark investment concerns
The administration’s approach has targeted projects at unprecedented stages of development, including the Revolution Wind project, which received a stop-work order in August despite being approximately 80% completed. The administration cited “national security” concerns for the halt, though details remain sparse.
Earlier this year, construction on Empire Wind off New York was temporarily halted before the White House allowed work to resume after the state’s governor approved a new natural gas pipeline. The New England projects targeted this week had received permits last year under established regulatory frameworks.
Business groups warn of broader implications
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, traditionally aligned with Republican policies, has warned that the administration’s approach threatens fundamental market principles. Martin Durbin, senior vice president of policy at the Chamber, wrote: “Permitted energy projects of any type shouldn’t be halted at such a late stage. Revoking wind permits today opens the door to uncertainty for all types of energy projects in the future.”
The warning represents a significant concern from a business lobby group with historic ties to the GOP, highlighting how Trump’s wind agenda affects broader investment confidence beyond the renewable energy sector.
Personal opposition drives policy approach
Trump’s antagonism toward wind power predates his presidency, stemming from his complaints as a real estate developer that wind turbines off Scotland’s coast harmed business at his seaside golf course. Over the past decade, he has consistently condemned wind power for various reasons, from environmental concerns about bird deaths to aesthetic objections.
This personal dimension distinguishes the current policy approach from typical regulatory changes between administrations, suggesting the opposition is at least partly personal rather than purely policy-driven.
Historical context reveals political reversals
The current Republican opposition to offshore wind contrasts sharply with the industry’s origins in America. Rhode Island’s offshore wind sector began under Republican Governor Don Carcieri, who pushed legislation in 2008 to establish wind energy development in the state.
At that time, Democratic Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch opposed the project, calling it “an inside deal” and arguing it “will create only six full-time jobs.” The successful Block Island project ultimately made American historywhen it began operations in 2017.
Comprehensive policy assault launched
Since taking office, the Trump administration has implemented multiple measures targeting wind development, including pausing new offshore wind permits, reviewing existing federal land leases, slashing clean energy tax credits, and imposing tariffs on wind supply chain components. The administration has also launched a national security investigation into offshore wind, though details remain limited.
Investment climate concerns spread
The administration’s approach threatens not only wind investments but broader infrastructure development requiring large capital commitments. Industry analysts note that billions of dollars of private funding are on the line in projects that were carefully calculated under assumptions of consistent legal frameworks.
The regulatory uncertainty could hamper efforts to build necessary infrastructure requiring large investments, potentially affecting both climate change mitigation efforts and broader economic growth initiatives.
The administration has also withdrawn or terminated funding for twelve port upgrade projects meant to support offshore wind deployment and build domestic supply chains, whilst withdrawing all Wind Energy Areas on the US Outer Continental Shelf and rescinding regulations that outlined renewable energy lease sale schedules.
The unprecedented nature of targeting permitted projects under active construction has sent shock waves through energy financing markets, according to industry publications, as investors recalibrate risk assessments for long-term infrastructure projects across all sectors.