Among the first measures taken by Donald Trump shortly after assuming the presidency was the halt of wind energy projects in the United States.
The new president signed an executive order on Monday that temporarily stops the sales of leases for these types of projects in federal waters.
Furthermore, he paused the issuance of approvals, permits, and loans for wind projects both onshore and offshore.
Wind energy in the United States: Trump’s first move
The Secretary of the Interior will review leasing practices and the granting of wind permits on federal waters and lands. That’s what Trump’s measure foresees.
The assessment will consider the environmental impact of the projects on wildlife, the economic costs associated with intermittent electricity generation, and the effect of subsidies on the viability of the wind industry, as detailed in the text.
The United States will leave the Paris Agreement in the new Trump era. (Photo: EFE).
Trump aims to increase the exploitation of oil and gas and has shown hostility towards renewable energy, especially offshore wind energy.
The order also temporarily prohibits Magic Valley Energy from continuing the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho.
The federal government approved a scaled-down plan for the park in December despite local opposition, including groups concerned about its proximity to a historic site where Americans of Japanese descent were interned during World War II.
During the electoral campaign, Trump promised to end the offshore wind industry as soon as he returned to the White House. He claims he wants to boost the production of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal, responsible for global warming, which accelerates climate change.
This order is likely to be challenged in court, to legally “fight” as was the case with a measure signed by former President Joe Biden shortly after taking office in 2021 to suspend sales of oil and gas leases.
Wind power numbers in the United States
Wind energy currently represents about 10% of the electricity generated in the United States, making it the largest source of renewable energy in the country.
There are 73 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity under development in the country, enough to power 30 million homes, according to the American Renewable Energy Association.
Biden’s management drive
Trump’s decision on wind energy in the United States.
The previous administration of Joe Biden sought to promote offshore wind energy as a solution to climate change, with national goals for its development.
They also conducted lease sales and approved nearly a dozen commercial-scale projects. The nation’s first commercial offshore wind farm, South Fork Wind, with 12 turbines, opened in March 56 kilometers (35 miles) east of Montauk Point, New York.
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