Trump administration halts offshore wind farm plans off of Rhode Island coast

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration ends offshore wind farm plans in federal waters, including areas near Rhode Island that were once designated for large‑scale projects like those off New York and other parts of New England.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has withdrawn over 3.5 million acres of potential wind energy zones, shifting focus toward fossil fuels, and officials have begun requiring personal approval by the Interior Secretary for future solar and wind projects.

Concerns have been raised around wind farms and marine life. Dead whales and dolphins have washed up along the East Coast in greater numbers, with over 100 humpback whales stranded between Maine and Florida since 2016. While direct links to offshore turbines haven’t been confirmed, the timing and locations near planned wind zones have sparked debate.  

Watchdog groups focus on Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and concerns of potential conflicts of interest. The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) claims Whitehouse has supported legislation that has financially benefited his wife’s environmental organization.

Sandra Whitehouse is the president of Ocean Wonks LLC and previously worked with Ocean Conservancy, which received over $14.2 million in federal grants since 2008. In 2024 alone, the organization secured two major grants for marine debris cleanup, funded by legislation Whitehouse voted for, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.