Wind Power NAICS 221115

Jan 7, 2026 - Firms Seek Relief After Trump Administration Shuts Down Offshore Wind

• The Revolution Wind and Empire Wind 1 projects are seeking injunctions against a Trump administration stop-work order that has halted all large-scale offshore wind construction, citing national security concerns, according to Utility Dive. Revolution Wind, a 700 MW project off the coast of Rhode Island, says the pause threatens its viability and is costing at least $1.44 million per day. Empire Wind 1, an 810 MW project offshore New York, argues the order is unlawful and disrupts ongoing work, noting it already incurred major delays from a previous suspension. Developers say federal agencies, including the Defense Department, previously reviewed and approved mitigation measures, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has raised broader criticisms of offshore wind. The order affects five major East Coast projects, and Empire Wind contends the government failed to provide the required notice and exceeded its authority under existing lease terms.
• In December, the House passed the SPEED Act, a permitting reform bill aimed at accelerating environmental reviews for major energy projects, data centers, and factories, according to Reuters. The legislation - which aligns with President Donald Trump’s push to expand domestic energy, mining, and industrial development - drew backlash from clean energy groups after last-minute amendments sought to preserve Trump’s authority to block offshore wind projects. The bill faces Senate opposition from Democrats who want broader support for renewable energy and transmission. Some Energy industry groups praised the bill, saying it modernizes the National Environmental Policy Act and will reduce project delays. Environmental organizations, however, warned that the measure weakens scientific review, public input, and protections for air and water quality. Solar advocates said it fails to address the unequal treatment of renewable energy under current federal permitting practices.

• The Trump administration’s rollback of renewable energy support, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, has triggered consolidation among smaller US solar and wind firms, according to Reuters. The act eliminated key tax credits and shortened eligibility windows, while the rollback of the Inflation Reduction Act and cancellation of over $16 billion in federal green energy funding have intensified financial pressure. Clean energy deals surged to $34 billion in early 2025, up from $7 billion in late 2024, according to KPMG. Analysts expect more mergers, joint ventures, and asset sales. Private equity firms and utilities are acquiring undervalued assets, with CBRE buying ClearGen and Agilitas Energy expanding through solar and hydropower acquisitions. Despite widespread disruption, well-capitalized investors continue to find opportunity.
• President Trump’s push to dismantle the offshore wind industry has triggered major setbacks for U.S. shipbuilders and port operators, including $679 million in canceled federal funding and a collapse in vessel orders, according to Reuters. Projects once fueled by Biden-era green investments now face stop-work orders, permit delays, and uncertain futures. Maersk canceled a $475 million turbine installation ship, and companies like Seacor Marine and Blount Boats are selling or halting offshore wind vessel operations. Ports in Massachusetts, California, and Virginia lost critical grants, delaying infrastructure improvements. Despite the downturn, some projects like Equinor’s South Brooklyn Marine Terminal continue, while US Wind warns of bankruptcy if its Maryland project is revoked. Industry leaders argue offshore wind supports maritime jobs and steel manufacturing, hoping Trump will reconsider. The administration insists it can revive maritime dominance without offshore wind, focusing instead on cost-effective port and shipbuilding expansion.