Trump Doubles Down on Wind Farm Criticism, Linking Them to Whale Strandings
In a contentious news conference held Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his commitment to halting the development of offshore wind farms. He described the energy source as “garbage” and alleged that it is “driving the whales crazy.” The remarks underscored Trump’s long-standing opposition to wind energy and his administration’s plan to prioritize fossil fuel expansion.
“They are dangerous,” Trump declared, referring to wind farms. “You see what’s happening up in the Massachusetts area with the whales… The windmills are driving the whales crazy, obviously.”
Trump’s statements follow President Joe Biden's recent ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters. The move is widely seen as a last-minute effort to safeguard marine ecosystems and combat climate change before Trump’s administration, set to take office on January 20, begins dismantling renewable energy initiatives.
Donald Trump has consistently expressed strong opposition to wind energy during his previous tenure as President and in his recent statements as President-elect. His critiques encompass aesthetic, environmental, economic, and policy dimensions.
Trump has frequently criticized wind turbines for their visual impact, describing them as “ugly” and detrimental to landscapes. He has also claimed that wind turbines harm wildlife, particularly birds, alleging significant avian mortality due to turbine blades. For instance, he has stated that wind turbines kill “all the birds.” However, studies indicate that while wind turbines cause bird deaths, the numbers are significantly lower than other human-related factors.
Trump has also blamed offshore wind development for the uptick in whale strandings along the Massachusetts coastline, citing the increased number of carcasses washed ashore as evidence of the industry’s harm. Notably, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), a Plymouth-based animal protection organization, documented six strandings of large whales between July and December 2024. These included a stranded humpback whale on Rexhame Beach in Marshfield and carcasses of humpback and minke whales.
However, experts argue that attributing these strandings solely to wind energy development lacks scientific backing. Regina Asmutis-Silvia, Executive Director of WDC, emphasized that federal data identify fishing gear entanglements, vessel strikes, and infectious diseases as the leading causes of whale strandings.
“We are well aware of social media campaigns which attribute these mortalities to offshore wind development, but, at least in our response area, there are no wind surveys or construction activities taking place,” Asmutis-Silvia said. “It is beyond frustrating to have the integrity of our team challenged if our findings don’t coincide with someone’s political agenda.”
Trump argues that wind energy is expensive and unreliable, asserting that it requires substantial subsidies and fails to provide consistent power due to its dependence on wind conditions. He has referred to offshore wind as “the most expensive energy ever” and has pledged to halt offshore wind projects through executive action.
During his presidency, Trump took steps to roll back policies supporting renewable energy development. In his recent statements as President-elect, he has pledged to:
Since 2016, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has declared several unusual mortality events for large whales along the East Coast, underscoring marine life’s multifaceted challenges. While wind energy projects involve activities like pile driving that can affect marine mammals, NOAA’s September 2024 biological opinion on Vineyard Wind—a 62-turbine, 806-megawatt project off Nantucket—concluded that the development is “not likely to jeopardize the continued existence” of endangered whales, including the North Atlantic right whale.
Trump’s opposition to wind energy and his policy proposals have significant implications for the renewable energy sector. His plans to halt offshore wind projects and revoke support for renewable energy initiatives could increase regulatory challenges and reduce investment in the sector.
Following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, several offshore wind projects have been paused due to anticipated policy shifts that may affect the renewable energy sector.
French energy company TotalEnergies has suspended its offshore wind project, Attentive Energy, which is planned off the coast of New York. CEO Patrick Pouyanné stated that the political climate influenced the decision, noting that offshore wind projects are predominantly located in Democratic states. He indicated that the project might resume after Trump’s term concludes.
The election outcome has introduced uncertainties for the offshore wind industry, with companies reassessing their investment strategies in light of potential federal policy reversals. Analysts suggest that the Trump administration may pause offshore wind lease sales and the permitting of new ventures, contributing to the industry’s cautious approach.
These developments highlight the challenges the renewable energy sector faces amid shifting political landscapes. The suspension of projects like Attentive Energy underscores the industry’s sensitivity to policy changes and the importance of stable regulatory environments for advancing renewable energy initiatives.
The future of U.S. energy policy now hangs in the balance, with Trump’s return to office likely to shift focus away from clean energy investments. His criticism of offshore wind farms as economically and environmentally harmful—despite advancements in technology and substantial job creation in the sector—continues to spark debate among policymakers and industry stakeholders alike.
Marine conservationists and renewable energy advocates urge a data-driven approach to the whale mortality issue, emphasizing collaboration between industries and regulatory agencies to address all potential threats to marine ecosystems.
“Our goal is to use the outcomes of these cases to help save other whales,” Asmutis-Silvia noted. “Scapegoating a single industry without evidence does little to advance conservation efforts.”
As Trump prepares to take office, his administration’s stance on wind energy and marine conservation will face intense scrutiny. The clash between renewable energy development and fossil fuel expansion highlights the broader tension in U.S. energy policy, with implications that extend far beyond the coastline.
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