Trump Pauses New Offshore Wind Projects, Threatening U.S. Clean Energy Goals

The executive order halts federal leases and permits for offshore wind, raising uncertainty for existing projects and state climate targets.

President Trump issued an executive order suspending new offshore wind leases and permits, pending a federal review of environmental and economic impacts.
The order includes a review of existing leases, which could jeopardize projects already underway, though the scope of potential cancellations remains unclear.
The offshore wind industry, critical to state and federal clean energy goals, faces delays and economic challenges from rising costs and legal uncertainties.
Maryland's U.S. Wind project, which has already secured federal permits, appears unaffected for now, while other projects in the region face potential setbacks.
Critics, including state leaders and industry groups, warn that the halt undermines job creation, energy independence, and progress toward emissions reductions.