President Trump issued a memorandum implementing a temporary withdrawal of all areas on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from offshore wind leasing and ordering a comprehensive review of federal wind leasing and permitting practices. The directive withdraws all areas within the OCS from disposition for wind energy leasing effective January 21, 2025, until the memorandum is revoked, though it does not affect rights under existing leases. The order also mandates a temporary cessation of new or renewed approvals, rights of way, permits, leases, or loans for both onshore and offshore wind projects pending a comprehensive assessment of federal wind leasing practices. The review will examine environmental impacts on wildlife, economic costs of intermittent electricity generation, and the effect of subsidies on industry viability. More information can be found here.
