The Presidential Memorandum temporarily withdraws all areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from offshore wind leasing, effective January 21, 2025, until it is revoked. This withdrawal does not apply to existing leases or projects already underway, but rather prevents consideration of new wind energy leasing for electricity generation or other uses derived from wind.
The Memorandum also orders a comprehensive review of the Federal government’s leasing and permitting practices for wind projects, with input from multiple agencies and departments. The review will consider environmental impacts on wildlife, economic costs, and subsidies’ effects on the viability of the wind industry. Additionally, the Secretary of the Interior is directed to place a temporary moratorium on activities related to the Lava Ridge Wind Project and assess the environmental impact of defunct and idle windmills.