Trump Offshore Wind Executive Order

President’s executive order Sparks uncertainty over offshore wind

EDF France-based Renewables developer has officially withdrawn from its Atlantic Shores offshore wind project in New Jersey, due to regulatory uncertainty created by the administration and policies of former President Donald Trump. The $5 billion clean energy project faces a significant setback today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revoked a key permit, halting construction plans just months after federal approval under President Biden.

Trump EPA Sinks $5B Wind Farm

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Trump order and EDF withdrawal cited as key reasons

Former President signed an executive order on his first day back in office that directed the Interior Department to suspend future leases for offshore wind projects and reevaluate the permitting process. While the order did not directly affect projects already approved, it did result in the Environmental Protection Agency revoking the environmental permit granted to Atlantic Shores in October 2024. In a follow-up,

EDF Renewables filed a request with New Jersey regulators on Tuesday to terminate the power supply agreement associated with the Atlantic Shores 1 wind project. The move effectively puts the project on indefinite hold and is said to be one of the most high-profile withdrawals in the U.S. offshore wind sector.

Renewable’s filing directly blames President’s decision to revoke the original permit by the Environmental Protection Agency and broader executive actions taken by the White House targeting offshore wind development.

“The President’s wind memorandum, the subsequent loss of permits and other actions taken by the current administration have forced the applicant’s parent company to materially reduce its workforce, terminate contracts and cancel planned project investments,” the company said.

EDF cited in its filing that these actions have created “an uncontrollable level of uncertainty,” making further investment in the NJ project financially and operationally risky.

Impact on New Jersey’s Clean Energy Goals

The Atlantic Shores Wind Farm, a major Biden-era effort that was slated to generate up to 1,500 megawatts of electricity, decarbonize the U.S. power grid and provide clean electricity to more than 700,000 homes, is now a part of the now-defunct Great loss for Renewable Future initiative. It was one of 11 offshore wind projects approved between 2021 and 2024 under the previous administration.

“This filing marks the end of a chapter, but not the end for Atlantic Shore,” Atlantic Shore CEO Joris Veldoven said in a public statement. “Offshore wind continues to provide NJ with a strong value proposition that includes thousands of well-paying jobs, stable electricity prices and real economic benefits.”

However, Veldoven noted that the company is “re-evaluating” its long-term plans in the U.S. due to changing federal policy. Opponents of offshore wind development, on the other hand — including lawmakers, fishermen and environmental groups concerned about marine life — are celebrating the announcement.

“This is a huge win for South Jersey,” said longtime critic Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.). “We have been fighting to protect our coastline, our economy and our communities from reckless offshore wind development.”

Bonnie Brady, president of the Long Island Commercial Fishing Association, added:

“Every time a wind company pulls out of a project in the United States, it’s a great day for all of us who make our living from the ocean.”

Offshore Wind Struggle Continues

This is the second major wind project in NJ to be canceled in less than two years. Earlier in 2023, Denmark’s Orsted abandoned its Ocean Wind projects due to economic pressures from inflation and global supply chain problems.

With the France-based renewable new joining the Renewal exit list, questions are being raised about the future viability of offshore wind power in the United States—especially under an administration that favors fossil fuels over renewables.

Conclusion: The Future of Energy Shifts in the Political Policies

As the political winds shift, clean energy developers are facing a new era of uncertainty in the United States. The renewable energy company, who plays a leading role, developed 23 GW over 300 projects, has withdrawal from the Atlantic Shores project could signal a broader industry withdrawal in response to federal opposition—which could have a high-impact impact on the country’s ability to meet climate goals.

Trump offshore wind Policy — a legal storm is brewing over America’s clean energy future.

Seventeen states, Washington, D.C., and a leading wind industry group have filed a landmark lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to overturn a controversial executive order that effectively blocks all new offshore wind energy development on the East and Southeast coasts.

A coalition of ten environmental organizations, including the Arcata-based — Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC), has filed a legal brief in support of the lawsuit challenging Trump’s policy. They argue that Trump’s offshore wind policy is “arbitrary, unlawful, and politically motivated, designed to favor fossil fuel interests by stifling the growth of clean energy.”

The question is, can the lawsuit really overturn Trump’s offshore wind ban — and what does it mean for the future of renewable energy in the United States?

What is Trump Offshore Wind Policy?

Offshore Wind Lawsuit” — **Interior Secretary Doug Burgum**

On his first day in office, Donald Trump signed an executive order temporarily halting the sale of offshore wind leases in federal waters and halting approvals, permits, and loans for all wind projects in key coastal states including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. While this policy is designed to protect marine ecosystems and coastal economies, but the order leaves wind energy developers hundreds of miles of federal waters. Following this, recently Trump administration halted construction of Empire Wind, a major offshore wind project by Equinor, a Norwegian company in New York, which was building the project to start generating electricity in 2026 and suppose to provide clean electricity to more than 500,000 homes.

The company finalized the federal lease for Empire Wind in March 2017, at the start of President Donald Trump’s first term. BOEM approved the construction and operation plan in February 2024, and construction began that year, but the multibillion-dollar project is stalling midway. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum ordered the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to halt construction on the fully approved Empire Offshore Wind Farm, the first offshore Wind Farm in New York, aiming to provide clean electricity to 500,000 New York homes.

Empire Offshore Wind project, — **Empire Offshore Wind project**

Critics say the policy was more about politics, designed to stall the progress of green energy, cast an unspoken doubt on the safety of wind power, and appease fossil fuel allies. This legal battle is a continuation of that.

Groups’ Lawsuit challenge: Who’s behind it?

The lawsuit, initially filed in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, was led by state attorneys general and supported by The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY). Their lawsuit challenges both the validity of the executive order and the federal government’s refusal to process wind power permit applications that they say violate existing environmental and energy laws.

They are now joined by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Conservation Law Foundation, Environmental Advocates NY (represented by Earthjustice), Environmental Defense Fund, Environmental Protection Information Center, National Wildlife Federation, New York League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, and the Southern Environmental Law Center, and other powerful organizations, have filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief to strengthen the case for the immediate lifting of the ban.

Environmental 10 groups argue that the ban is legally unenforceable and environmentally harmful. In a joint petition, they say:

“By preventing responsible wind energy development, the wind directive and its implementation would undermine efforts to meet state climate and energy goals, while increasing reliance on fossil fuels—a result that carries well-documented risks to wildlife, public health, and the environment.”

They highlight the hypocrisy of the administration’s claim to protect wildlife from wind projects, while also seeking to undermine federal wildlife protections and fast-track fossil fuel infrastructure, which has far-reaching impacts on ecosystems and the climate.

Threatens thousands of green-paying green jobs
Threatens Hinder billions and economic development in the Southeast, where more than 100 companies produce components for the wind industry
States’ ability to meet emissions-reduction targets
Customer access to affordable, clean electricity
States like New York, which has invested heavily in offshore wind projects, argue that the ban threatens their energy sovereignty and undermines long-term planning.

As Adrian Esposito of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment says:

Environmental Groups' Sue Trump — citizens campaign for the environment

“Climate change denial doesn’t fix climate change. Offshore wind is clean, safe, and essential – and we should build on that success, not disrupt it.”

Will the court overturn trump executive order

Legal experts say the case is strong. The plaintiffs argue that Trump’s blanket ban:
exceeds the president’s authority
violates established permitting laws
lacks any scientific or environmental justification

Furthermore, the Biden administration has since rescinded the executive order, yet the permits remain in limbo. The case could provide the legal clarity needed to force the federal government to resume processing wind energy permits. The amicus brief urges the court to grant a preliminary injunction, which would allow the permits to continue until the larger case is resolved.

As Vanessa Fajans-Turner of Environmental Advocates NY says:
The case is about more than permission – it’s about power.

“Trump wants to seize [energy] for himself. By blocking offshore wind, he is sabotaging union jobs, jeopardizing billions in investments, and selling Americans out to fossil fuel donors.”

The case represents a rare show of unity among states, industry, and environmentalists at this time – all determined to defend wind power as a critical and growing solution to climate change, economic development, and energy independence.

Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, is furious and insists:

“This senseless ban is nothing more than a threat to years of clean energy investment. Wind power means clean air, low emissions, union jobs, and local economic benefits. The courts must step in to protect public health and allow this industry to move forward.”

Jill Tauber, vice president of litigation for climate and energy at Earth Justice cited.

Jill Tauber vice president of litigation for climate and energy at Earth Justice Picsart AiImageEnhancer 1 — **Wind power plays a critical role in keeping our energy grid reliable and affordable,”** – **Jill Tauber,**

“Wind power plays a critical role in keeping our energy grid reliable and affordable,” “Instead of responsibly supporting wind development, the Trump administration has blocked it, declared a false energy emergency, and promoted fossil fuels. It’s not just misleading — it’s legally untenable.”

Kate Sinding, senior VP of the Conservation Law Foundation, told Daily.

“While Trump clings to old fossil fuels, states are moving forward with clean, affordable fuels that are lowering bills and reducing pollution,” “Wind already supports more than 130,000 U.S. jobs. Its expansion is critical to meeting climate goals, improving air quality, and meeting growing demand. This case is a strong position to move forward if federal leadership fails.”

Final Thoughts: Can the Ban Be Overturned?

Yes—this case has the potential to overturn Trump’s offshore wind policy, revive the permitting process, and clear the way for major offshore wind development in U.S. waters.

If it does, it would also set an important precedent. If the court finds that the executive branch cannot arbitrarily block clean energy development without due process or scientific justification, it could protect future climate policy from political interference.

For now, the wind industry—and the planet—are waiting.

Trump’s EPA Kills $5B Wind Farm – EDF pulls out New Jersey project