The Trump administration is spending nearly $2 billion to encourage energy companies to abandon US offshore wind projects, requiring them to invest in fossil fuels instead. California's Energy Commission has issued an administrative subpoena to Golden State Wind, investigating its agreement with the Department of the Interior to surrender its offshore wind lease for a payout.
Investigation into Golden State Wind
CEC Chair David Hochschild criticised the deals, saying that taxpayer dollars should support a sustainable energy future, not be used to eliminate projects. Three such agreements have been announced, including a $1 billion with French company TotalEnergies and nearly $900 million for Golden State Wind and Bluepoint Wind (both co-owned by Ocean Winds).
Congressional Scrutiny
Democrats in the US Congress, including Representatives Jared Huffman and Jamie Raskin, are also investigating the agreements, particularly the TotalEnergies deal. The developments mark a significant escalation in the conflict between federal and state authorities over energy policy.
