The U.S. offshore wind industry, which spans 40 states and supports thousands of jobs, faces potential setbacks after a new executive order halted lease approvals and federal permits for wind projects.
Trista Talton reports for Coastal Review.
In short:
- A report from Oceantic Network highlights how offshore wind development has created jobs, boosted ports and driven investment in shipbuilding and manufacturing across the U.S.
- President Donald Trump signed an order pausing new offshore wind leases and permits, prompting concerns from industry leaders about job losses and economic disruption.
- Some companies, like Nexans in South Carolina, are pivoting to the European market due to uncertainty in the U.S. wind sector.
Key quote:
“While under a National Energy Emergency created by an unprecedented rise in energy demand, we should be working to quickly bring generation online instead of curtailing a power source capable of providing base load generation and creating new jobs across 40 states.”
— Liz Burdock, founder and CEO of Oceantic Network
Why this matters:
Offshore wind has been a key driver of job creation and infrastructure investment, but regulatory uncertainty threatens its momentum. Halting new leases could slow renewable energy expansion, impacting supply chains, ports and economic growth in dozens of states.
Read more: Trump's wind energy freeze puts GOP district jobs at risk
