April 18, Editor Liu Rui - According to the U.S. East Coast time on Wednesday evening, the Trump administration suddenly ordered to stop the construction of the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind power project at New York coast - despite the fact that this project had already received full government approval.

This arbitrary order has not only caused a shock in the offshore wind power industry but also once again reflects the frequent policy reversals of the U.S. government, raising questions about the safety of investments in the U.S.

Offshore wind power project construction suddenly halted?

U.S. President Trump has long been an advocate of traditional energy and dismissive of clean energy. During his campaign, he had repeatedly promised to end the offshore wind power industry, as he believed that the cost of wind power was too high and would harm whales and birds.

Therefore, on the first day of his presidency, he issued an executive order suspending new lease auctions for offshore wind projects in federal waters.

This executive order was originally expected by industry insiders. But surprisingly, on Wednesday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum suddenly ordered to halt the construction of the Equinor project - this move went far beyond suspending new lease auctions or delaying new permit applications.

The Norwegian state oil company leading this project said they have stopped construction as required and will contact the Trump administration to better understand their concerns about the permits for this project.

"All industries will feel the chill"

American industry organization Oceantic Network CEO Liz Burdock said in response to Burgum:

"The federal government had previously fully approved the work of the Empire Wind 1 offshore project, but now the government has suddenly halted it, which should make all industries with investments and contracts with the U.S. government feel the chill."

"Stopping a permitted and funded energy project from moving forward sends a loud and clear message to all businesses - not just the offshore wind industry - that their investments in the U.S. are unsafe."

The conservation organization League of Conservation Voters said that revoking Equinor's construction permit by the Trump administration would increase uncertainty in the broader business world and undermine confidence needed for new investments.

Legislative director David Shadburn of the organization said:

"If the government cannot honor its commitments after thorough environmental review, it will not only have a chilling effect on clean energy but also on the entire business sector... What the country needs least is to ban the use of affordable clean energy."

Inconsistent with Trump's intentions

Oceantic Network organization said that the supply chain of the Empire Wind wind power project has attracted $1.6 billion in investment and provided more than 3,500 jobs.

An American clean energy association report last year showed that by 2030, the entire offshore wind power industry is expected to invest $65 billion in projects.

Other industry representatives said this move is inconsistent with the Trump administration's broader plan to expand domestic energy production.

"The growing gap between rising electricity demand and available energy supplies poses a serious threat to economic growth," said Hillary Bright, executive director of offshore wind industry organization Turn Forward. "Promoting the utilization of valuable energy sources such as offshore wind clearly aligns with our national interests."

(Editor Liu Rui of Caixin Media)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494488553435480591/

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