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California Probes Golden State Wind Lease Relinquishment Amid Trump Push

5/5/2026

Summary

Energy Commission Investigates

The California Energy Commission opened an investigation into Golden State Wind LLC’s relinquishment of offshore wind lease.
The probe follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent effort to kill the West Coast offshore wind project.
Executive Director Drew Bohan mailed Golden State Wind LLC a notice of investigation and possible legal violations.
A California Department of Justice attorney warned that potential litigation could affect state energy needs and offshore wind programs.

Summary

Trump Buys

President Donald Trump’s administration is allocating nearly $2 billion to buy out offshore wind projects nationwide.
California is probing a $120 million payout tied to the Golden State Wind lease cancellation.
TotalEnergies received a $1 billion refund for its North Carolina and New York offshore leases conditional on fossil-fuel investment.
California earmarked over $100 million for port and transmission infrastructure to support its 25-GW offshore wind goal by 2045.

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Energy Commission Investigates

The California Energy Commission opened an investigation into Golden State Wind LLC’s relinquishment of offshore wind lease.
The probe follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent effort to kill the West Coast offshore wind project.
Executive Director Drew Bohan mailed Golden State Wind LLC a notice of investigation and possible legal violations.
A California Department of Justice attorney warned that potential litigation could affect state energy needs and offshore wind programs.

1 / 2