Trump's return could severely impact Biden's wind power initiatives

A potential Trump presidency poses a significant threat to the progress of the offshore wind industry and clean energy transition.

Josh Siegel reports for POLITICO.


In short:

  • Trump's previous presidency saw a stagnation in offshore wind development, raising concerns about future setbacks.
  • His criticism of wind power, including unfounded health claims and economic impacts, could hinder clean energy progress.
  • The Biden administration's efforts to boost offshore wind projects face potential reversal under Trump's influence.

Key quote:

“If you have a windmill anywhere near your house, congratulations your house just went down 75 percent in value.”

— Donald Trump, 2020 speech

Why this matters:

Trump's potential return to office could dramatically alter the course of the U.S.'s energy future, impacting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable energy sources.

Be sure to read Peter Dykstra’s 2022 piece: Headwinds remain for clean energy

A row of solar panels in a farm field

As federal backing wanes, states turn to community agrivoltaics to keep farms solar-powered

The Trump administration’s move to scale back support for on-farm solar threatens farmers’ access to grants and loans, but many states and farm groups are turning to community solar and agrivoltaics as resilient alternatives.

An aerial view of a cleared area of a forest

Texas refinery’s ‘green’ jet fuel linked to Amazon deforestation

A Texas biofuel plant supplying major U.S. airlines with “sustainable” jet fuel has been sourcing cattle fat tied to ranches on illegally deforested Amazon land, raising questions about the true climate impact of the industry’s green fuel push.

An old oil pump jack in a dry field

New Mexico’s billion-dollar oilfield orphans

A recent report warns that bankrupt oil companies could leave New Mexico with up to $1.6 billion in cleanup costs, as orphaned wells and leaking tank batteries pile up.

A small home with boarded windows and flood-damaged personal effects piled on the sidewalk
Credit: gwillydeluxe/Big Stock Photo

Trump’s killing of climate grants has recipients second-guessing federal help

"The risk is way too high and the effort is way too large," said one environmental group founder about federal grants.
People watching remotely Montana youth climate lawsuit
Photo Credit: Douglas Fischer

Young climate activists who won landmark trial are challenging Trump's energy orders

Young climate activists and their attorneys who won a landmark global warming trial against the state of Montana are challenging President Donald Trump's energy agenda.
A satellite view of the gulf of mexico and the gulf of panama

Ocean current fails for first time in decades, prompting concern

The failure of the Gulf of Panama’s seasonal upwelling system has left scientists wondering what happens next.
A deforested area with a cow walking across the grass

More deforestation leads to a drier dry season, Amazon study finds

In Brazil’s southern Amazonian region, where the notorious “arc of deforestation” has been expanding since the 1970s, forest loss is reshaping the region’s atmospheric water cycle.

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.