In his second term, US President Donald Trump has issued a directive suspending all offshore wind leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This move halts new wind energy leasing agreements and renewals, while maintaining all existing leases. The decision is intended to allow for a comprehensive review of the environmental and economic impacts of offshore wind projects.

Impact of the Suspension and Review Process

The order, effective this week, directs the Department of the Interior (DoI) to collaborate with other federal agencies to assess the ecological, economic, and environmental consequences of offshore wind projects. The review will focus on their potential effects on marine life, energy costs, navigational safety, and the fishing industry. It will also examine the environmental footprint of offshore wind projects, including concerns about abandoned wind turbines and their impact on local communities.

Existing offshore wind projects, such as those by Ørsted, Avangrid, and Dominion Energy, will not be directly affected by the suspension. However, active leases will undergo review to determine whether modifications or terminations are necessary. The Lava Ridge wind project in Idaho is also paused pending a detailed reassessment of its environmental and economic impact.

While renewable energy advocates have expressed concern over the delay, emphasizing the importance of offshore wind for the US’s sustainable energy future, the suspension will remain in place until further presidential action.