Trump halts new wind and solar projects in controversial move

In a notable shift in U.S. energy policy, President Donald Trump declared that his administration will not approve any new wind or solar projects. This announcement aligns with Trump's consistent criticism of renewable energy sources, which he claims are driving up electricity costs. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, he described renewable energy projects as 'THE SCAM OF THE CENTURY.' The decision came amidst reports of rising electricity prices, with data indicating customers in areas dependent on the largest power grid, PJM Interconnection, saw a significant increase of over 20% in their costs. This move is part of a broader trend under Trump's administration focused on rolling back renewable energy initiatives. Recent actions include halting work on the nearly complete Revolution Wind offshore project in Rhode Island, which was about 80% finished. Orsted, the Danish company developing the project, expressed concerns about the financial implications stemming from the halt and is considering legal actions. The Revolution Wind initiative was projected to power more than 350,000 homes across Rhode Island and Connecticut, signifying a major step towards increasing renewable energy in those states. The halting of construction on this vital offshore project has drawn sharp criticism from local officials, including Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, both of whom declared their intentions to reverse the Trump administration's decision. Governor McKee indicated that he would explore all available avenues to recommence work on Revolution Wind since it is not only crucial for energy generation but also has ramifications for the burgeoning offshore wind industry. Further emphasizing his administration’s restrictive stance on renewable projects, Trump also directed the Department of Agriculture to cease any funding for solar or wind initiatives on farmland. This move, explained by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, was viewed as an effort to preserve productive farmland from being used for solar panel installations. The cessation of these programs reflects Trump's continual emphasis on maintaining priority for fossil fuels, contrasting sharply against the growing need for clean energy alternatives, particularly in light of climate change challenges.