Trump Halts Offshore Wind Energy Leases Nationwide

President Donald Trump signed an executive order halting new offshore wind leases and pausing current ones, including those off Morro Bay, while mandating a review of their ecological and economic impacts. The order prohibits the issuance or renewal of any approvals for wind projects, reflecting Trump's ongoing opposition to wind energy which he has labeled as costly and detrimental to the landscape. This move contrasts sharply with the previous administration's renewable energy policies and aims to streamline fossil fuel expansion. Trump's administration has emphasized the need to assess the environmental effects of wind projects on wildlife and the economic implications of subsidies supporting the wind industry. Critics, including the president of the National Ocean Industries Association, have warned that this decision could lead to significant delays and increased costs for consumers. While existing projects may continue, the future of offshore wind energy in the U.S. is now uncertain.