One Year of Trump’s Vendetta against Clean Energy
President Donald Trump has used his administration to cut federal support and halt permitting for clean energy, specifically for offshore wind generation.
Despite the potential benefits of offshore wind—to include thousands of good new union jobs, gigawatts of affordable energy for the national grid, and economic revitalization for vulnerable communities—Trump has consistently attempted to dismantle the industry.
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President Trump issued an Executive Order on January 20, 2025, that halted all offshore wind leasing and permitting. This was ultimately struck down in court as unlawful.
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Trump halted construction on five East Coast offshore wind projects in December, citing “national security concerns.” Indicating these claims lacked credibility, three of the five projects have been granted preliminary injunctions so far and are able to get back to work. All projects were planned in coordination with the U.S. Department of Defense.
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Throughout 2025, the Trump administration attempted to remand permits for offshore wind projects along the nation’s coasts despite the projects’ significant potential for clean energy generation and approval of federal permits after years of review.
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Trump signed last year’s GOP budget bill that repealed tax credits specifically for clean energy projects like wind and solar.
Following Trump’s one-year anniversary in office, the BlueGreen Alliance issued a statement from Executive Director Jason Walsh:
“Trump’s unhinged culture war against offshore wind and clean energy hurts communities and takes away a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow a new, promising industry. The president would rather pursue his personal, irrational vendetta, letting middle–class communities capitalize on the massive job potential and affordable clean power that offshore wind can provide.”