Offshore wind industry responds to Trump election victory

Mr Trump has previously stated he would ‘kill’ offshore wind on day one of a new administration, although it is unclear as yet what measures he might actually take and how damaging they might be (see OWJ’s August 2024 analysis ‘Political uncertainty clouds US offshore outlook.) Shares in wind energy companies fell sharply when Mr Trump’s victory became clear.

Oceantic Network president and chief executive Liz Burdock said, “On behalf of our 450+ offshore wind supply chain members, Oceantic Network congratulates President Donald Trump on an historic election and comeback. The American people voted resoundingly for domestic economic prosperity.

“Eight years ago, the first Trump administration laid out the fundamental framework for our modern offshore wind industry and oversaw three federal lease sales that netted US$456M for the federal treasury. Industry responded by making the first supply chain investments that are now creating jobs in Texas and South Carolina.”

Ms Burdock said the momentum started under the first Trump administration “resulted in thousands of new jobs and US$40Bn in new investment. 

“This includes US$24Bn in direct investments towards manufacturing, vessel-building and shipyard upgrades, port infrastructure, transmission planning, and workforce development across 39 red and blue states,” she said. “With President Trump in office, we have the opportunity to harness even more investment and measurable economic benefits for communities across the country. 

“The US offshore wind industry stands ready to welcome new investments in American factories and shipyards. Oceantic looks forward to working with the Trump-Vance administration and the new Congress to advance our nation’s economy, combat rising costs, and deliver more domestic energy.”

The Network noted that in the last decade, the US offshore wind industry has created thousands of jobs and a supply chain that spans 39 states> More than 1,800 companies now have supply chain contracts. 

The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), long a champion of the offshore oil and gas industry, also backed offshore wind as part of the US energy mix. “As the political landscape shifts with the election of President-Elect Trump, the promise of American offshore energy remains unwavering,” it said.

“From the robust oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico to the burgeoning offshore wind projects, carbon capture and storage investments, and critical minerals sectors, American energy production continues to benefit every citizen, transcending political affiliations.”

NOIA president Erik Milito said, “NOIA congratulates President-Elect Trump on his election victory and looks forward to working with his administration and the incoming Congress. The US offshore energy industry is an irreplaceable asset, providing homegrown energy security, jobs, economic opportunities, and billions in government revenue.” 

Mr Milito highlighted that the offshore wind sector has seen what he described as “remarkable advancements in recent years. Workers in states like Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Florida are actively helping to build offshore wind projects,” he said. “These projects are progressing safely and responsibly, with many already having steel in the water.”

He emphasised the legislative agenda ahead during the ‘lame-duck’ session. “Funding the federal government and passing key legislation, such as permitting reform, should be top priorities,” said Mr Milito. “These measures are essential to laying the foundation for the incoming Congress, enabling them to build on this momentum and further expand bipartisan offshore energy priorities. This includes mandating offshore oil and gas and wind lease sales, which are crucial for ensuring more certainty, and keeping these investments and projects within the US.”

American Clean Power Association (ACP) chief executive Jason Grumet said, “ACP congratulates President Trump on his hard-fought victory. ACP looks forward to working with the Trump-Vance Administration to unleash American-made energy, deliver reliable power to the grid, grow the economy, and enhance our national security.

“Domestically produced clean power is vital to meeting our nation’s surging electricity demand. Our industry grew by double digits each year under the first Trump Administration and has accelerated this rate of progress since. Private sector clean energy investment is bringing jobs and economic opportunity to small towns and rural communities across the nation, while hundreds of new factories have come online in states that have seen far too many good jobs move overseas.

“Harnessing America’s diverse energy resources is essential to our national security and global power. By combining the strengths of all domestic energy resources, the Trump Administration can advance an economy that is dynamic, secure and clean. We are committed to working with the Trump-Vance Administration and the new Congress to continue this great American success story.”