President-elect Donald Trump has directed a New Jersey congressman to draft an executive order aimed at stopping offshore wind energy projects. Offshore wind plays a crucial role in transitioning to a carbon-neutral electric grid, as the power sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Trump, who pledged to dismantle the offshore wind industry during his campaign, aims to prioritize fossil fuel production to achieve cost-effective energy solutions.
Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew revealed that Trump supports his initiative to halt offshore wind development from Rhode Island to Virginia for six months. The draft order is intended to allow the incoming Interior secretary to review the impact of wind farms on various sectors, including fishing, tourism, and utility bills. The American Clean Power Association reports that nearly 65 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity are in development in the U.S., sufficient to power millions of homes.
