A group of Republican state lawmakers is asking the Trump administration to cancel offshore wind projects in the Gulf of Maine.
The Republicans sent a letter to federal officials pushing for the termination of four offshore wind leases totalling more than 1,600 sq km. The leases were sold at $50 per acre, which the lawmakers claim was far less than what they’re worth.
The letter, written by state representative Regan Paul, claimed that the offshore wind projects pose a risk to Maine’s $3.2bn fishing industry and over 33,000 related jobs.
The letter also calls for cancelling the Maine Research Array lease. The project is supposed to provide the chance to study and test floating offshore wind as a renewable energy source.
The renewable energy sector has pushed back against the initiative. They are also supported by Maine governor, Janet Mills, who stated that offshore wind must be studied because the US can’t depend on oil and gas forever.
This request comes only a few weeks after the Trump administration terminated a dozen offshore wind projects across the country.
