WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump yesterday ordered a freeze on new federal wind leasing in the Offshore Continental Shelf and a pause on approval and permitting for existing federal wind leases. 

The order charges the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency with completing an assessment of all wind leasing and permitting practices; environmental impact of onshore and offshore wind projects; and the economics of wind energy. 

This order endangers over 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy in development. This is an attempt to set back the nation’s clean energy goals outlined by the former administration and could cost thousands of workers current and future jobs.  

Following the announcement, the BlueGreen Alliance issued a statement from Executive Director Jason Walsh: 

“Offshore wind has massive potential for the United States at a time when clean energy is desperately needed to meet growing demand. It’s also creating good jobs and growing domestic manufacturing after years of decline.  

“We are disappointed in President Trump’s actions and strongly encourage him to reconsider the path he’s chosen for the country’s energy future. Even in the face of shortsighted governing, the BlueGreen Alliance will continue to support offshore wind development and partner with labor and environmental advocates committed to growing this burgeoning domestic industry.”