Full Breakdown
Governors Respond to Trump Administration's Offshore Wind Project Cancellations
9/2/2025, 12:24:58 PM
Joint Statement from Northeastern Governors
On Labor Day, governors from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, and New Jersey issued a joint statement condemning the Trump administration's recent decision to cancel $679 million in federal funding for offshore wind projects. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy labeled these projects as "wasteful," prompting the governors to call for the administration to uphold all previously granted offshore wind permits. They emphasized that the cancellation jeopardizes American jobs and investment, stating, "Efforts to walk back these commitments jeopardize hardworking families, wasting years of progress and ceding leadership to foreign competitors."
Impact on Offshore Wind Industry
The governors highlighted that the offshore wind projects represent years of planning and billions in private investment, promising tens of thousands of jobs while revitalizing ports and strengthening supply chains. The Trump administration's actions include withdrawing $11.25 million in federal funds for the Port of Davisville and terminating $33.8 million for the Salem Wind Port Project. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey questioned the rationale behind these cancellations, asking, "Why would you want to kill tens of thousands of jobs?"
Criticism of Trump's Energy Policies
The Trump administration's stance against renewable energy has intensified, with recent actions including halting the nearly complete Revolution Wind project off the coasts of Rhode Island and Connecticut. Critics, including California Representative Jared Huffman, have denounced the administration's approach as "outrageous," arguing that it threatens jobs and undermines the clean energy sector crucial for combating climate change. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee characterized the cancellations as an "attack on our jobs" and "an attack on our energy."
Conflicting Reports on Energy Costs
Amid rising electricity prices, Trump has attributed the increases to renewable energy sources, labeling wind and solar as "THE SCAM OF THE CENTURY." However, energy analysts dispute this claim, attributing price hikes to factors such as increased demand from data centers and aging infrastructure. Trump's administration has also faced scrutiny for its broader energy policies, which prioritize fossil fuels over renewable sources.
Official Statements & Responses
The governors reiterated their commitment to supporting American workers and urged the Trump administration to keep offshore wind projects on track for the sake of jobs, energy security, and competitiveness. They stated, "We stand with America’s workers and strongly urge the Trump Administration to keep these projects on track."
Verbatim Quotes
- “WATCH HERE WATCH HERE "Efforts to walk back these commitments jeopardize hardworking families, wasting years of progress and ceding leadership to foreign competitors.” — Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts
- “It’s an attack on our jobs,” — Dan McKee, Governor of Rhode Island
- “why would you want to kill tens of thousands of jobs?” — Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts
- “It’s so dogmatic. They are willing to eliminate thousands of jobs and an entire sector that can bring cheap, reliable power to American consumers.” — Jared Huffman, Representative from California
What's Next
The governors are expected to continue advocating for the reinstatement of funding and support for offshore wind projects, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy in achieving climate goals and maintaining economic stability in their states.
