to the editor: Offshore wind energy is an emerging technology with enormous potential to provide clean, affordable and safe energy (“Trump administration cites national security when halting offshore wind. Some experts aren't convinced.” December 22). Many nations have set important national goals. Is projected that offshore wind capacity will almost triple in the next five years.
According politicalThe five offshore wind projects halted by the Trump administration could power nearly 2.7 million homes for up to 30 years using a free, clean fuel: wind. Alternatively, powering those homes with fossil fuels would mean an endless cycle of extracting coal, oil or gas, transporting it and burning it to generate electricity. In the process, we pollute our air (causing disease and death) and our atmosphere with heat-trapping carbon pollution, fueling global warming and climate change.
Fossil fuel interests have worked for years to discredit offshore wind projects. TO research 2023 from Brown University's Climate and Development Laboratory revealed that, in recent years, six major fossil fuel and dark money donors have funneled more than $72 million to the various organizations fighting offshore wind energy. The transition to a clean energy future will be significantly affected by the speed at which offshore wind projects are developed. Knowing this, fossil fuel interests will do everything they can to stop it.
Robert Taylor, Santa Barbara
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to the editor: President Trump's war on renewable energy sources is hurting Americans and lining the pockets of the oil industry. Its latest suspension of major wind projects keeps cheaper, cleaner and healthier sources of energy away from our nation.
His administration has stated that this pause will give them time to assess national security risks. But wouldn't they have been evaluated by the administrations years ago? This seems like just another way to curb alternative energy production.
Not allowing all forms of competitive energy production puts our energy independence at risk and therefore creates a different national security problem. Electricity needs are increasing and AI data centers are adding to this energy loss today.
Trump has proposed that some waters off the US coast be opened to offshore drilling. It knows that our energy needs are increasing and that oil is its preferred product. But keep in mind that the energy from ocean wind farms, by most accountswill reduce our energy costs. The Los Angeles Times article on offshore wind projects even said that a partially completed wind project in New England saved residents “$2 million a day during a cold snap this month,” according to the boston globe. In addition, wind farms are less destructive, which raises less environmental damage than offshore drilling.
Tell your member of Congress that you want cheap, clean energy sources to be allowed to advance when the authorization process is already agreed upon. No administration should be allowed to interfere with our free markets in the midst of construction.
Jonathan Luz, Laguna Niguel
