Front Page  »  

California files lawsuit against Trump administration over wind energy

May 6, 2025

Floating windmill designs

By KAREN VELIE

California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging the Trump Administration’s alleged “unlawful attempt to freeze the development of offshore wind energy,” according to Bonta’s office.

On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order halting new offshore wind leases in federal waters while pausing current leases, such as the three charters off the coast of Morro Bay. While the Secretary of the Interior examines existing wind energy leases, agencies are barred from issuing or renewing approvals, rights of way, permits or loans for both onshore and offshore wind projects.

A coalition of 18 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration arguing the order halting wind energy projects is unlawful and endangers the development of a crucial renewable energy source.

The lawsuit alleges that Trump’s order violates multiple federal laws, including the Administrative Procedure Act. The attorneys generals are asking the court to declare the order illegal and to prevent the administration from taking any action to delay or prevent wind energy development.

“The Trump Administration’s directive to halt the development of offshore wind energy is illegal,” Bonta said. “This reckless directive will not only reverse America’s progress in clean energy initiatives, but our communities will also suffer the economic consequences of the president’s misguided lawlessness. The president has promised that his actions would lower energy costs, but instead, energy prices have only gone up and will continue to skyrocket.”

In 2022, the federal government auctioned off three offshore wind energy sites located between 20 and 30 miles off the coast of Morro Bay. The goal was to have the windmills in the water by 2030.

While the majority of San Luis Obispo County residents initially supported the “green energy” projects, sentiments changed as information regarding plans to industrialize Port San Luis near Avila Beach and portions of the Morro Bay waterfront spread through the community.

Industrialization of the proposed Central Coast ports would have significant impacts on the local economy, the fishing industry and ecosystems. The support systems on land would include massive piers, and could require new breakwaters and dredging.

 


Loading...
Subjects:         
Related:


11 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

“This reckless directive will not only reverse America’s progress in clean energy initiatives, but our communities will also suffer the economic consequences of the president’s misguided lawlessness. “

Economic consequences to who? Certainly the Fisherman were already dealing with “Economic Consequences” just due to their sonar testing. Up to a 70% decline? So we know it effects the fishing industry! I am not against Clean energy. But at what cost? This suit negates the negative affects of a windfarm. IT makes me think its all about the investors rather than what is good for all of us, along with our responsibility for the safety of sea life and birds, and other animals. IT doesn’t seem they have the technology yet to produce “Safe Clean Energy”, Just look at the damage the Battery storage facilities have caused. How many have been affected in the name of “Clean Energy” I think their plans for Clean Energy are premature. We just are not there yet.


4

Oil tankers kill more animals than any amount of turbines ever will. The blades ARE recyclable. The site WILL NOT be able to be seen from shore. Etc etc etc… But im sure the pro power company people will downvote and whine anyways. Ya’ll just love getting price gouged apparently. Weird.


-23

How many “green energy” people have put “SunRun Solar” on their houses with “Tesla power wall batteries” with the written agreement with PGE to support the grid with the “Power Wall Batteries” when needed and/or use it overnight yourself? I am 99.9% off the grid.


-4

The only lower yielding energy source compared to wind is biomass. California already has the nations highest energy costs because of the democrats trying to force net zero fantasy on the public. There was a very under reported energy blackout a few days ago in Spain and Portugal. The cause was unreliable, intermittent wind and solar power grid failure . Both countries depend on nuclear power from France to back up their grid. In Spain and Portugal’s grid failure it also caused France to be disconnected magnifying the electrical catastrophe. UK and Germany, both big wind and solar proponents, net zero advocates depend on France for nuclear power as well. Since Germany went all in for net zero and closing their nuclear plants their cost of energy has risen 5 fold. Maybe 10, 20 years ago, with less known wind made sense for a small piece of the mix of energy options. Today placing wind turbines in the harshest of environments the ocean with the huge amount of space needed, regular repairs and servicing wind turbines make zero sense. Natural gas should be a big piece of California’s energy basket especially given California has an abundance of natural gas. Nuclear power should be our energy future.


16

Tell that to the isotopes in babies teeth via NWC at Sierra Vista and Slos cancer rate increase post Diablo. Next up, Space Lasers and Yemens secret Ufo project.


-7

Where is California getting the money to engage in a lawsuit with Trump? That would be my first question as it is so easy to litigate with someone else’s money.


22

Same place trump is getting money from to go golfing, our pockets.


-12

From the taxpayer.


7

Its called a budget… That’s when they allocate a certain amount of money, for certain things. Understand? Verrrrry simple.


-11

The federal budget is a roach motel – money goes in, but it can never be removed. California, obviously, had all those federal dollars earmarked for friends, relatives, and other graft-oriented purposes, and they’ll fight tooth and nail to make sure they get them.


39

Of course they will fight, since they are fighting with other people’s money. Also easier when you are spending someone else’s money.


19