Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee have issued a joint statement criticising the Trump administration’s decision to pause offshore wind leases.
In the statement, the governors describe the move as an attack on offshore wind development that risks undermining energy security, increasing costs for electricity consumers and putting jobs at risk. They argue that pausing active leases, including projects that are completed or close to completion, lacks justification and could weaken grid reliability at a time of rising electricity demand.
The governors note that Atlantic states are expanding energy supply to meet growing demand and reduce costs. They state that offshore wind projects have already supported thousands of jobs and contributed significant economic activity to local communities.
They also warn that the decision by the Department of the Interior could create further uncertainty for investors. According to the statement, this may make it more difficult for states and private developers to secure financing for infrastructure projects if approvals can be withdrawn despite compliance with federal and local requirements.
The statement refers to a recent federal court ruling that the Trump administration cannot arbitrarily halt federal approvals for offshore wind permits. The governors reaffirm their intention to challenge the lease pause and support the continuation of offshore wind projects to deliver electricity supply, employment and grid stability.
