Amid criticism of Donald Trump’s energy policies, 350.org warns proposed payout to TotalEnergies to exit US offshore wind could stall clean energy progress (Photo: TotalEnergies)
Amid growing criticism over energy policies of the United States President Donald Trump, climate campaign group 350.org has condemned reports that the Trump administration plans to pay USD 1 billion to a French multinational integrated energy firm, TotalEnergies, to exit two offshore wind projects in the US, warning that the move could undermine clean energy progress and redirect investment towards fossil fuels.
In a press statement, 350.org says that the proposed agreement would see TotalEnergies refunded for offshore wind leases off the coasts of North Carolina and New York, with the company planning to redirect investment into liquefied natural gas and expanded oil and gas production.
Anne Jellema
“The move represents a ‘billion-dollar handout to polluters,’ arguing that public funds should instead be used to support affordable, homegrown renewable energy,” says Anne Jellema, Chief Executive, 350.org.
According to the statement, the shifting focus back to fossil fuels risks worsening extreme weather, increasing energy costs and placing additional financial pressure on households already facing high utility bills.
Fanny Petitbon
The organisation says that the decision could undermine efforts to expand offshore wind capacity and delay progress towards cleaner, more stable energy systems, at a time when renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly cost-effective.
“The TotalEnergies-Trump alliance is a shameless victory lap for fossil fuel radicals who are determined to make us pay for expensive, outdated energy. Wind power is now consistently cheaper and more stable than gas. Rather than putting even more money in the pockets of Big Oil, governments should collect windfall taxes in order to cushion people’s bills and fund the transition to affordable renewables,” says Fanny Petitbon, Country Manager, France, 350.org.
The statement adds that the move follows repeated legal defeats for the administration’s attempts to halt offshore wind development, raising concerns that the payout is an attempt to sidestep court rulings and stall the sector by other means.