California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, together with a coalition of 17 other attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging an executive directive issued in January that indefinitely halts the development of offshore wind energy projects across the US.
The coalition, which includes states with significant investments in wind energy infrastructure, contends that the directive impedes their efforts to diversify and secure energy sources, meet clean energy targets and address climate change.
The presidential memorandum suspended all federal permitting for onshore and offshore wind energy projects pending a review. This action has led federal agencies to cease all related permitting and approval activities.
The attorneys general allege that the directive and the subsequent inaction by federal agencies contravene several federal laws including the Administrative Procedure Act.
They are seeking a legal declaration that the directive is illegal and are urging the court to prevent the administration from delaying or obstructing wind energy development.
Attorney General Bonta said: “The Trump Administration’s directive to halt the development of offshore wind energy is illegal.
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By GlobalData“This reckless directive will not only reverse America’s progress in clean energy initiatives, but our communities will also suffer the economic consequences of the President’s misguided lawlessness. The President has promised that his actions would lower energy costs, but instead, energy prices have only gone up and will continue to skyrocket.
“In California, we will continue to hold the President accountable for breaking the law and protect our significant progress in expanding cleaner, cheaper energy for American families.”
California, which has five offshore wind leases, stands to lose substantial economic and environmental benefits. The halted projects were expected to power up to 1.6 million homes and contribute to the state’s clean energy transition.
The moratorium could also lead to increased energy costs for consumers in the state and jeopardise job creation, tax revenue and community support funds exceeding $50m.
The lawsuit is supported by a broad alliance of attorneys general from states including New York, Massachusetts and Washington.
In April, RWE, an offshore wind developer from Germany, ceased work on its US projects in response to the Trump administration’s policy changes related to offshore wind energy development.
