Offshore Wind Farms Frozen: Biden-Era Review Shocker?
Published Date: 1/29/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
Starting January 21, 2025, the government is hitting pause on all new offshore wind energy leases across the Outer Continental Shelf. This means no new wind projects can start there until the pause is lifted, but existing wind leases keep going. The move aims to protect ocean life, support fishing, and keep energy affordable for everyone.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
Offshore Wind Leasing Pause
Beginning January 21, 2025, the President withdrew all areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from disposition for wind energy leasing. The withdrawal remains in effect until the Presidential Memorandum is revoked and temporarily prevents consideration of any OCS area for new or renewed wind energy leasing for generation of electricity or any other wind-derived use.
Federal Pause on Wind Permits and Loans
Federal agencies are directed not to issue new or renewed approvals, rights-of-way, permits, leases, or loans for onshore or offshore wind projects pending a comprehensive assessment and review of Federal wind leasing and permitting practices led by the Secretary of the Interior.
Existing Offshore Leases Reviewed
Existing wind energy leases in the withdrawn OCS areas remain in effect, but the Secretary of the Interior will conduct a comprehensive review (starting with this memorandum) to identify legal bases for terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases and will report recommendations to the President.
Lava Ridge ROD Temporary Moratorium
The Secretary of the Interior may place a temporary moratorium on all activities and rights under the Bureau of Land Management Record of Decision (ROD) for the Lava Ridge Wind Project (ROD issued December 5, 2024), including rights-of-way and development or operation, and shall review the ROD and may conduct a new comprehensive analysis.
Review of Defunct and Idle Windmills
The Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Energy, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency must assess the environmental impact and cost to surrounding communities of defunct and idle windmills and deliver a report with findings and recommended authorities to require removal of such windmills.
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