January 1, Trump Puts Brakes on Offshore Wind Over Security

Wyatt’s Take

• Trump administration hits pause on all major offshore wind projects.
• National security worries stem from radar problems tied to turbines.
• Pause affects Vineyard Wind and Empire Wind construction.

The Trump administration has stopped big offshore wind projects because of new concerns about national security. Multiple agencies say the turbines can mess with radar, making it harder to spot threats along the east coast.

The Department of the Interior says it will hold off on leases for projects under construction, starting with Vineyard Wind and Empire Wind. A blade broke on Vineyard Wind last summer, spreading debris and turning many against the project.

Classified government reports show that radar can get cluttered by wind blades, causing false alarms or missing real dangers.

“Today’s action addresses emerging national security risks, including the rapid evolution of the relevant adversary technologies, and the vulnerabilities created by large-scale offshore wind projects with proximity near our east coast population centers. The Trump administration will always prioritize the security of the American people,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement.

The announcement means five projects, like Sunrise Wind and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, are paused while agencies look at solutions with developers.

A 2024 Department of Energy report shows that raising a radar’s false alarm limit to filter out wind clutter can also make it miss real threats. The administration’s move has support from a Nantucket group worried about whales and ocean health.

“Our organization has been primarily focused upon the harm these projects inflict upon our ocean and upon animals like the North Atlantic Right Whale. However, there are many other negative impacts from these projects as well. We have long cited the very real threat from radar interference caused by these enormous offshore wind turbines. Not only does this pose a danger to fishermen and others on the water, but this obviously also poses a massive national security threat. It is very satisfying that this threat is finally being recognized and acted upon,” Val Oliver, president of ACK 4 Whales, said in a statement.

The pause will stay until agencies and companies figure out how to address the problems. Empire Wind off Long Island and more are on hold for now.

Stay informed. Tell your neighbors what’s really happening on our coasts and why protecting America matters.

Wyatt Matters

Protecting national security is not just a Washington concern; it matters in every small town and on every coast. Safeguarding our communities and jobs depends on leaders willing to hit pause when big risks show up, no matter what the headlines say.

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