Story perspectives

Trump Administration Pays $1B to TotalEnergies for Wind Lease Abandonment

3/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration agreed to pay TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to abandon offshore wind leases off North Carolina and New York.
The Interior Department announced the deal, allowing TotalEnergies to reinvest the refund into fossil fuel projects, including a Texas LNG terminal.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D-N.C.) says the payout misuses taxpayers and undercuts clean energy.
Supporters say the arrangement promotes affordable energy.

History

Historical Context

In 2020, the U.S. government faced scrutiny over its energy policies, particularly after the Interior Department allocated $1 billion to TotalEnergies for fossil fuel projects, including a Texas LNG terminal. This decision sparked criticism from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, highlighting the ongoing conflict between fossil fuel interests and renewable energy initiatives, a struggle that has intensified since the Biden administration's push for offshore wind expansion.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration agreed to pay TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to abandon offshore wind leases off North Carolina and New York.
The Interior Department announced the deal, allowing TotalEnergies to reinvest the refund into fossil fuel projects, including a Texas LNG terminal.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D-N.C.) says the payout misuses taxpayers and undercuts clean energy.
Supporters say the arrangement promotes affordable energy.

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