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Trump's Offshore Wind Opposition Leaves Billion-Dollar Impact, Despite Industry Growth

Trump's opposition to offshore wind, dating back to 2012, has had tangible impacts on the industry. Despite setbacks, renewable energy continues to thrive.

As we can see in the image there is water, boats, buildings, current poles and sky.
As we can see in the image there is water, boats, buildings, current poles and sky.

Trump's Offshore Wind Opposition Leaves Billion-Dollar Impact, Despite Industry Growth

Former US President Donald Trump's long-standing opposition to offshore wind energy has resurfaced, with critics accusing him of using misinformation and false narratives to hinder its progress. Despite his administration's attempts to stifle the industry, renewable energy continues to grow, with wind and solar projects being the cheapest to build.

Trump's dislike for offshore wind dates back to 2012 when he opposed a project near his golf course in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In 2023, he took to Truth Social to express his 'hatred' for offshore wind energy. His opposition followed him into the White House, where he terminated $679 million in federal grants for 12 wind projects.

The Trump administration's actions have had significant consequences. The suspension of the $6.3 billion Revolution Wind project in Rhode Island, following Trump's Truth Social post, has left Danish company Orsted and its partner Skyborn Renewables facing over $1 billion in demolition costs. The most likely beneficiaries of the project's cancellation are opponents of offshore wind, including the Trump administration and fossil fuel industries.

Despite these setbacks, the renewable energy sector continues to thrive. An Energy Information Administration report projects that 93% of new electricity resources in 2025 will be wind, solar, and batteries.

Trump's opposition to offshore wind, which began as a local dispute and evolved into a national policy, has had tangible impacts on the industry. However, the resilience of renewable energy is evident in its continued growth and cost-effectiveness. As the sector moves forward, it remains to be seen how Trump's legacy in this area will unfold.

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