Trump Pauses Federal Offshore Wind Leases, Calls for Review of Wind Projects on Federal Land

During the pause, federal officials will review the effects of wind projects on wildlife and consider whether wind energy is viable without federal subsidies.

Wind turbines generate electricity at the first commercial offshore wind farm in the United States, in Block Island, near Rhode Island, on July 7, 2022. John Moore/Getty Images

President Donald Trump ordered a halt to new leases and permits for wind projects on his first day back in the White House.

In addition to temporarily suspending leases in the outer continental shelf, his executive order mandates a comprehensive environmental and economic review of the federal government’s leasing and permitting practices for all wind projects on federal lands and in federal waters.