Trump Casts Chill Over US Wind Energy Sector
Donald Trump has long criticized wind energy, describing turbines as unsightly, harmful to wildlife, and financially burdensome. Upon resuming the presidency, he threatened to reverse much of the progress made by the wind energy sector over the last few decades.
“We’re not going to do the wind thing,” Trump declared as he returned to the Oval Office after a four-year hiatus. He deplored “big, ugly windmills,” while signing a series of executive orders that have thrown the industry into turmoil. The former president remarked that wind turbines “kill your birds, and they ruin your beautiful landscape.”
Among the executive actions was a temporary freeze on federal permitting and loans for both offshore and onshore wind projects. Jason Grumet, president of the American Clean Power Association (ACP), criticized the decision, stating that it “increases bureaucratic barriers, undermining domestic energy development and harming American businesses and workers.”
Following the announcements, wind-related stocks experienced a downturn. Elizabeth Wilson, an offshore wind specialist at Dartmouth University, mentioned that Trump’s orders have indeed created a substantial cooling effect on the sector, leading some developers to reconsider their involvement in specific projects.
This new stance from Trump comes amid his declaration of a “national energy emergency,” raising questions among analysts about the apparent contradiction of attacking wind energy while claiming urgency for energy initiatives. Although not as extensive as in Europe, wind energy constituted approximately 10 percent of US electricity production in 2023, significantly surpassing solar energy contributions.
Experts indicate that onshore wind power is comparatively affordable, with costs per megawatt-hour ranging between $27 and $73 in 2024—much lower than nuclear or coal. However, ongoing economic challenges, such as rising inflation and interest rates, alongside growing local opposition, have already put pressure on the sector.
The offshore wind industry, which is still developing in the US, is expected to face the most severe impact from Trump’s latest measures. As most exploitable marine areas are in federal waters, they are subject to the restrictions imposed by his administration. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that most onshore developments occur on private lands that are largely insulated from federal control.
Days before his inauguration, Trump expressed on his Truth Social platform: “I don’t want even one (windmill) built during my Administration.” This declaration has sent shockwaves through the wind energy sector, raising concerns regarding potential permanent blocks on subsidies or environmental approvals critical for project advancements. Such measures are likely to encounter legal challenges and political resistance.
Barry Solomon, a professor emeritus at Michigan Technological University, noted that nearly all onshore wind power projects take place on private lands, where landowners often appreciate the economic benefits these wind farms provide. Many of these projects are situated in Republican-led states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Kansas, and the Dakotas.
The ACP has also warned that limiting wind development could lead to higher consumer energy bills. However, despite these challenges, some experts maintain a hopeful outlook. Jeremy Firestone, a professor at the University of Delaware, emphasized that the economic advantages of wind and solar energy are driving ongoing interest and investment in these sectors. He added that as artificial intelligence evolves, the demand for energy is anticipated to grow significantly, which will likely create pressure to expand wind energy infrastructure.
