Trump halts new offshore wind leases in sweeping first-day order

President Donald Trump signed an executive order blocking new offshore wind leases and permits on his first day back in office, signaling a hardline approach against the renewable energy industry.

Benjamin Storrow reports for E&E News.

In short:

The executive order pauses all new offshore wind leases and permits while directing a review of existing permits, which could lead to further restrictions or cancellations.
A moratorium has been placed on Idaho’s Lava Ridge Wind Project, citing concerns over its impact on a historic site, and other projects could face similar challenges.
Wind energy advocates warn the decision jeopardizes a growing industry, while opponents see it as a first step toward dismantling existing projects.

Key quote:

“They’re horrible and the most expensive energy there is. They ruin the environment. They kill the birds. They kill the whales.”

— Donald Trump

Why this matters:

Offshore wind is central to U.S. renewable energy goals, supplying clean power to millions. Stalling wind projects threatens jobs, investments and progress on climate targets, while opening the door to prolonged legal battles over energy policy.

Learn more:

www.eenews.net

Trump halts new offshore wind leases in sweeping first-day order

‘Thrilling’: Dutch cattle farmers switch to rice as solution to warmer climate and sinking peatlands

‘Explosion of melt rates’: 20% of Swiss glaciers lost in five years

Clothes that cool you, warm you — and make power as you move

The surprising allies backing Boulder's climate case before the Supreme Court

Montana officials praise repeal of power plant emission regulations, watchdog groups pan decision

Vietnam's largest city lives with floods as climate change raises the stakes

Climate change’s compounding pressures on rural North Carolina

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.