Story perspectives

US Pays $765 M to Cancel Offshore Wind Leases, States Sue

6/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

On June 17 2026, United States paid $765 million to Invenergy to cancel four offshore wind leases.
The leases were in the New York Bight, California’s Central Coast and the Gulf of Maine.
Money will be redirected to natural-gas plants in Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and to geothermal projects.
Seven states sued the reimbursements, arguing they violate federal law.
Invenergy said it will use the funds for quick-to-grid projects and may revisit offshore wind later.

History

Historical Context

In 2015 the Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management held an early large offshore-wind lease sale, awarding Atlantic leases that fetched roughly $1.9 million in high bids and highlighted the market’s volatility, a pattern that re-emerged with the 2024 cancellation. In 2024 the Biden administration paid $765 million to Invenergy to cancel four of those leases, sparking lawsuits from seven coastal states.

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Story summary

On June 17 2026, United States paid $765 million to Invenergy to cancel four offshore wind leases.
The leases were in the New York Bight, California’s Central Coast and the Gulf of Maine.
Money will be redirected to natural-gas plants in Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and to geothermal projects.
Seven states sued the reimbursements, arguing they violate federal law.
Invenergy said it will use the funds for quick-to-grid projects and may revisit offshore wind later.

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