Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

In a surprising move, the Trump administration has halted federal leases for large offshore wind projects, citing unnamed national security risks. This decision could jeopardise billions of dollars in investments and delay the introduction of nearly six gigawatts of electricity that were due to power the US grid in the coming years.

 

The suspension affects major projects in the Atlantic Ocean, including a substantial Virginia offshore wind farm, poised to become the nation’s largest upon completion by the end of 2026. We expected these projects to supply much-needed energy to regions with increasing demand, like Virginia's data centre hub. However, concerns regarding radar interference and other risks from these wind farms have led to this sweeping order.

 

The Department of the Interior referenced classified reports by the Department of War but did not specify the nature of these national security threats. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum disclosed that the Department of Defense found these wind farms cause radar issues, posing risks especially around the East Coast. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense is collaborating to explore solutions to these security challenges.

 

There has been criticism from Virginia lawmakers who argue that the administration has not adequately justified this pause. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, along with Representative Bobby Scott, have stated there is a lack of new information backing this decision, hinting at President Trump's historical opposition to offshore wind energy.

 

Clean energy advocates and industry groups have expressed disappointment. The National Ocean Industries Association highlighted that companies from the oil and gas sectors have heavily invested in wind energy and urged the administration to reconsider the halt. According to Oceantic Network, offshore wind firms have already been working with the Department of Defense to address similar concerns for over a decade.

 

Looking to the future, this decision might affect energy prices and job markets in states like Virginia, where offshore wind farms are a cornerstone of energy strategy. The Virginia project is over halfway complete, capable of powering 660,000 homes, and will be crucial in addressing the region's increasing energy demands.

 

 

Key Takeaways

• Trump administration suspends large offshore wind projects, citing national security.
• Potential delays could impede billions of dollars in investment and energy output.
• Industry groups and lawmakers demand clarification and a rethink of the decision.
   

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-12-23

 

 

 

Good move.

 

Ugly things that cost a fortune and disturb wildlife for the sake of a pathetic amount of energy.

Regressive move at the expense of the people for cheaper energy cost and effect on the environment just to help the oil industry waning oil and gas demand. Wind energy is consistently ranked among the cheapest forms of large-scale renewable energy and even cheaper than fossil fuels as it has zero fuel expenses. 

Trump knows what he is doing. Wind power causes cancer! Solar panels kill birds! They spoil the view!

Carbon based fuel will once again allow the American people to breathe real carcinogenic American pollution!

Never mind what clean air protesters want, worry about what coal miners want!

It's probable that Trump is being paid off by the major utility companies in the US, and he's always been all about environmental destruction. He's always denied the benefits of alternative energy, that's just who he is, he's a corporate man, he's extremely conventional, he has no imagination and he has no vision towards the future. Don is the destroyer of any chance of a promising future. 

On 12/23/2025 at 11:36 AM, JonnyF said:

Good move.

 

Ugly things that cost a fortune and disturb wildlife for the sake of a pathetic amount of energy.

They are a total waste of time and are only efecteve 60% of the  time because of not enough wind or too much because they then have to turn them off because they disinagrate .Not only that the maintence cost is very high because of the salt air. Australia had several projects in the pipeline but have been abandoned as they were considered  to be not viable.

I wonder why companies all over the world want to install wind turbines to lose their money it's amazing that their shareholders haven't woken up yet.

1 hour ago, wavodavo said:

They are a total waste of time and are only efecteve 60% of the  time because of not enough wind or too much because they then have to turn them off because they disinagrate .Not only that the maintence cost is very high because of the salt air. Australia had several projects in the pipeline but have been abandoned as they were considered  to be not viable.

And what about the salt water? It ruins everything.

On 12/23/2025 at 10:14 AM, Eric Loh said:

Regressive move at the expense of the people for cheaper energy cost and effect on the environment just to help the oil industry waning oil and gas demand. Wind energy is consistently ranked among the cheapest forms of large-scale renewable energy and even cheaper than fossil fuels as it has zero fuel expenses. 

Looks like you are a shareholder in the wind turbine industry.

The situation in the North Sea is already so bad that even shipping is being severely affected, not to mention the underwater life and birds in the air.

Large companies such as Shell have already withdrawn from various projects there.

So how many more arguments do you want?

17 hours ago, Purdey said:

Trump knows what he is doing.

He NEVER has and NEVER will!!! He knows absolutely nothing about everything! There isn't a greater idiot in the universe, him and his MAGA ass-lickers 🤮

Post with deliberate misspelling a name removed. @rovinman

Trump apologists on this subject are just like the Luddites at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. They died off and Great Britain and the world enjoyed the wealth that ensued from industrialisation.

What the world is experiencing now is, paradoxically, a reversal of reliance on the same carbon sources. 
Trump “I love the poorly educated” and his climate change deniers are on the back foot i.e. old and poorly educated.

On 12/24/2025 at 2:35 PM, Peterphuket said:

Looks like you are a shareholder in the wind turbine industry.

The situation in the North Sea is already so bad that even shipping is being severely affected, not to mention the underwater life and birds in the air.

Large companies such as Shell have already withdrawn from various projects there.

So how many more arguments do you want?

North Sea will be a green energy powerhouse of the future. Live with it Neanderthal.