Last week, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum took significant steps to restrict renewable energy development on federal land. This includes revoking all offshore “wind energy areas” on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf and prioritizing energy projects based on their potential capacity.
In an order dated July 29, Burgum accused the Biden administration of pursuing “destructive and ideological policies.” The order instructs the Interior Department to investigate any preferential treatment given to wind and solar projects compared to traditional energy sources and to remove such biases from regulations and practices.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management confirmed that the rescission of wind energy areas would end the federal practice of designating vast offshore regions for potential wind development. This action impacts over 3.5 million acres of federal waters once earmarked for offshore wind projects.
Previously, the Biden administration had outlined a five-year schedule for offshore wind leasing. This included plans to conduct sales in the Gulf of Mexico, Central Atlantic, New York Bight, Gulf of Maine, and California in the coming years.
Interior emphasized the need for thorough consultations regarding offshore wind development, particularly involving tribes, the fishing industry, and coastal communities. They also plan to evaluate the impact of wind projects on bird populations in migratory paths.
In a follow-up order, Burgum directed the Interior Department to approve only the most suitable energy projects for federal lands. The department labeled wind and solar energy as “inefficient uses of federal lands” compared to more compact energy sources, such as nuclear, natural gas, and coal.
According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, an advanced nuclear plant can generate 33.17 MW per acre, while an offshore wind farm produces only about 0.006 MW per acre—making wind energy significantly less efficient.
The nonprofit Oceantic Network expressed criticism, arguing that these new directives might hinder a vital source of baseload power generation, particularly as electricity prices rise.
The Interior Department has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding this move.