Trump pledges to block new wind energy projects

President-elect Trump announced plans to oppose the construction of new wind turbines, calling the energy source inefficient without subsidies and reinforcing his commitment to fossil fuel priorities.

Zack Budryk reports for The Hill.


In short:

  • Trump stated his administration will push for a policy halting new windmill construction, citing reliance on subsidies as a key issue.
  • He has appointed fracking executive Chris Wright as Energy secretary and plans to end offshore wind projects by executive order.
  • Experts suggest that existing renewable energy projects may continue due to market momentum, despite policy changes.

Key quote:

“Donald Trump’s ‘no windmills’ policy is a guaranteed way to cut American energy production and increase families’ electricity bills.”

— Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)

Why this matters:

Blocking wind energy development could increase energy costs and slow efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. Wind energy has played a growing role in reducing emissions and meeting rising energy demands. Any regulatory shift could reshape U.S. renewable energy policy and investment.

Read more: Trump’s offshore wind ban pledge faces legal obstacles

US skier Michaela Shiffrin in red bib holding skis and pole at finish
Credit: jozefk/BigStock Photo: 383954789

Team USA skiers and others raise alarm over accelerating melt of world’s glaciers

Team USA skiers Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, along with Italy’s Federica Brignone, are among the many skiers who have expressed concern during these Olympic Games about the accelerating melt of the world’s glaciers.
Flooding at the City of Arts and Sciences complex, Valencia, Spain

‘Daunting but doable’: Europe urged to prepare for 3C of global heating

Advisory board member says adapting is ‘not rocket science’ but Europe already paying price for lack of preparation.

Wooden gavel indicative of justice

States push climate superfund bills despite Trump’s opposition

The legislation would make oil and gas firms pay for climate damages from burning their products. Trump has referred to such laws as “extortion.”
Department of Homeland Security FEMA sign on the office in Washington DC.

What experts say about proposed FEMA changes

The Trump administration is proposing massive changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We asked disaster experts to weigh in.
Solar panels installed on a city balcony, generating solar energy.

New England lawmakers weigh plug-in solar as Europe’s model spreads

Legislation in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island would allow small solar panels to plug directly into home outlets, expanding access to clean energy.
A photo of a person texting on his phone with an image of comment bubbles with the words 'Hi Bot!'

Southern California air board rejected pollution rules after AI-generated flood of comments

An AI-powered platform generated at least 20,000 emails that helped defeat a proposal to phase out gas-powered appliances in Southern California, records show.

a factory with a lot of green and white generators on platforms outside

Lawmakers debate how to regulate data centers’ diesel backup generators

The use of data centers' diesel generators have become a flashpoint in communities concerned about the health impacts of the emissions.

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

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.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

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

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

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.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.