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Trump’s Bold Move to Overturn Biden’s Green New Deal: Spotlight on Wind Energy

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Shares of Danish offshore wind developer Orsted fell 17% on Monday, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the United States. This decline stems from multiple factors, including a general downturn in the offshore wind sector and an announcement of a $1.69 billion impairment charge related to the Sunrise Wind project off New York’s coast.

Orsted CEO Mads Nipper explained that delays and rising costs have pushed the project’s completion date to the latter half of 2027. However, the impact of Trump’s executive initiatives, particularly those targeting renewable energy, cannot be overlooked. On his first day in office, Trump signed several executive orders aimed at dismantling the Biden administration’s Green New Deal agenda, particularly regarding wind power projects.

Among these directives was a significant order titled “Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing.” This order effectively halts any wind energy leasing in designated areas and mandates a review of existing leases held in those zones.

Interestingly, this move mirrors President Biden’s earlier decision to protect 625 million acres of federal offshore waters from oil and gas drilling. While Trump’s order ensures that current leases remain intact, it raises concerns about their future continuation, as a review of their ecological and economic implications will be conducted.

In a noteworthy extension, Trump’s freeze also encompasses onshore wind projects. This decision is rooted in apprehensions over the environmental impact and potential costs associated with obsolete wind facilities. The administration is poised to analyze how decommissioned wind turbines could affect local communities, which further highlights ongoing issues regarding the safe removal and disposal of spent wind infrastructure.

The wind industry faces scrutiny over its sustainability due to dependency on subsidies and insufficient regulatory oversight. Critics argue that the lack of stringent requirements for decommissioning poses environmental risks. Trump’s actions signal a recognition of these challenges, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive energy policies that balance development with ecological preservation.

Originally published by the Daily Caller News Foundation.

David Blackmon is an energy consultant and writer with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry.