Trump Admin to Pay French Firm $1B and 2 US Firms $885M to Abandon Wind Farms Even as Energy Dept. Orders Aging Coal Plants to Remain Open
NEWS & RESEARCH
The Trump administration will pay TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to forfeit its East Coast offshore wind leases. In exchange, the French corporation will pivot to U.S. fossil fuel projects, including increased Gulf of Mexico oil production and new gas-burning power plants for data centers. This follows court rulings that blocked previous administration attempts to halt existing wind projects. In addition, the administration will pay Bluepoint Wind and Golden State Wind $885 million to abandon two winds farms of the US coast. While Trump tries to shutter wind power, his administration has issued orders to keep five aging coal plants open past their scheduled closures, citing an “energy emergency” threatening the reliability of the U.S. electricity supply.
SOURCES: New York Times | CSIS | New York Times | New York Times
ANALYSIS & OPINION
Critics call the deal to close the wind projects an "extraordinary transfer of taxpayer dollars" to boost fossil fuels. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warns the move creates market uncertainty by bypassing clear statutory frameworks. Evergreen Action’s Lena Moffitt told NPR that the administration is "paying [companies] to walk away" after failing in court. Additionally, the governors of New York and North Carolina have condemned the cancellation of their states' energy projects. Critics say its use of emergency orders is not an efficient, economical or environmentally friendly way to meet rising electricity demand and ensure the grid is not overwhelmed during peak hours. As for ordering the aging coal plants to continue operating, Earthjustice charges that “massive costs being imposed on ratepayers to keep around these old, expensive, dirty coal plants.”
SOURCES: New York Times | CSIS | NPR | New York Times
HOW TO FIX IT
Congressional action:
Restore Clean Energy Incentives: Reinstating tax credits for wind and solar while stripping the $18 billion in new incentives for coal, oil, and gas.
Pass the Energy Bills Relief Act: A measure to restore revoked renewable funds and protect consumers from rising electricity costs.
Investigate the Deal: Demand full transparency and documentation regarding the TotalEnergies agreement.
Support Litigation: Back legal challenges against efforts to block renewable energy development.
Legislation:H.R.7977 - Energy Bills Relief Act
