The Trump-Vance administration issued an executive order temporarily halting offshore wind leasing and calling for a review of the federal governmental leasing and permitting practices for all wind projects.
The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025 covering the following key provisions:
In addition to the executive order, the US Department of the Interior issued on January 20 its Order No. 3415, which suspends department bureaus and offices from taking the following key actions related to the executive order:
The intent of the order is to halt new leasing activities for offshore wind energy development on the OCS. The withdrawal goes into effect on January 20, 2025 and remains in effect until the memorandum is revoked.
The OCS is defined as (1) all submerged lands lying seaward and outside of the area of lands beneath navigable waters as defined in the Submerged Lands Act, and of which the subsoil and seabed appertain to the United States and are subject to its jurisdiction and control or within the exclusive economic zone of the United States and adjacent to any territory of the United States; and (2) does not include any area conveyed by Congress to a territorial government for administration (43 USC 1331).
The order does not apply to leasing on the OCS for other purposes, including oil, gas, minerals, and environmental conservation.
The rights of existing leases in the areas of the OCS are not immediately impacted but existing leases will be subject to review by the secretary of the interior in consultation with the attorney general. Such review will cover ecological, economic, and environmental necessity of terminating or amending any existing leases and shall identify any legal basis for such revisions or termination.
Temporary stop and comprehensive review assessment and review of the federal wind leasing and permitting practices are also required by the order. There will be no issuance of new or renewed approvals, rights of way, permits, leases, or loans for onshore or offshore wind projects pending such review.
The secretary of the interior must temporarily halt activities under the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Lava Ridge Wind Project due to alleged legal deficiencies and public interest concerns. A new analysis of the interests implicated by the project and potential environmental impacts is required.
The secretary of the interior, the secretary of energy, and the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency will assess the environmental and community impact of idle or defunct "windmills" and propose measures for their removal.
The order issued by the Department of the Interior suspends authority to issue any onshore or offshore renewable energy authorization, including any lease, amendment to a lease, right of way, amendment to a right of way, contract, or any other agreement required to allow for renewable energy development.
The order does not limit existing operations under valid leases. It also does not apply to authorizations necessary to (1) avoid conditions that might pose a threat to human health, welfare, or safety; or (2) avoid adverse impacts to public land or mineral resources.
Renewable energy developers should closely monitor developments and engage with regulators to navigate the evolving landscape.
Visit our Trump-Vance Administration Policies and Priorities resource center and subscribe to our mailing list for the latest on programming, guidance, and current legal and business developments involving the Trump-Vance administration.
For assistance in understanding how this policy may affect projects or to explore strategic responses, contact any of the following: