New England Fishermen Back Trump’s Decision on Offshore Wind Farm Permits

Fishermen in New England expressed their support on Wednesday for the Trump administration’s recent decision to revoke a permit for a large offshore wind project, a move they believe is vital for the fishing industry.

Jason Joyce, a member of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA), noted that under former President Biden, many offshore wind initiatives emerged that, in his view, jeopardize local fisheries. He welcomed this latest withdrawal by the Division of the Interior (DOI), particularly as it pertains to a wind project off the coast of Massachusetts. Joyce remarked, “The entire commercial fishing community is very pleased with this direction. However, it seems that Democrats are leaning towards supporting offshore wind energy, which can’t coexist with commercial fishing.” This sentiment highlights a significant divide over the future of these initiatives.

Recently, DOI issued a stop-work order for another offshore wind farm near Rhode Island and Connecticut, and it looks to retract federal approval for yet another project near Maryland, following earlier actions against a wind farm close to New Jersey. Moreover, the Department of Transportation announced on Friday that the White House plans to reevaluate funding for twelve offshore wind projects, escalating the ongoing debate surrounding offshore wind energy.

On the first day of his second term, President Trump signed an executive order instructing that leasing and permitting practices for wind projects be reassessed. White House assistant reporter Anna Kelly referred to Trump’s agenda, indicating that the administration is looking to ensure that policies favor more reliable energy sources, like coal, natural gas, and nuclear power.

NEFSA claimed that the government’s effort to draw federal support towards large-scale New England wind projects, which Biden approved in April 2024, is detrimental to fisheries that depend on the waters impacted by these developments. Joyce believes that the issue of offshore wind energy should transcend party lines, emphasizing that supporters must recognize the threat these projects pose to commercial fishing.

“They seemed to suggest that both could coexist. But if our target species are being displaced by these offshore wind farms, it’s not as straightforward as they claim. Sure, we can still fish there, but will there be anything to catch?” Joyce remarked.

For years, NEFSA has voiced concerns about offshore wind developments, and some environmentalists share similar apprehensions, particularly regarding their potential risks to marine life. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has noted that the Biden administration failed to adequately review the environmental impacts of numerous offshore wind projects prior to granting approvals.

Joyce pointed to rising whale fatalities along the New England coast as an alarming indicator of environmental distress. He noted that the scale of these wind farms is massive, stating, “It’s not just a few poles out in the ocean; these developments span hundreds of miles.” He worried that the noise created by these farms could disrupt whale communication, leading to “temporary hearing loss.”

Recently, DOI announced plans to significantly alter federal support for green energy technologies, reducing the special treatment given to wind and solar projects, which it has labeled as “unnecessary.” Joyce argued that the construction of offshore wind farms disturbs marine predators and has a damaging impact on fisheries, essentially turning the ocean into an undesirable industrial area.

“We refer to this as industrializing the ocean,” Joyce explained. “These projects will convert sensitive ecosystems into underwater factories.” He added that people wouldn’t tolerate similar disruptions on land, yet, due to the distance, such impacts at sea often go unnoticed.

“I don’t think this needs to be a political issue,” Joyce concluded. “We hope that not just the president, but also other influential figures will recognize the importance of protecting our marine environments and reconsider their stance on offshore wind projects.”