The Department of the Interior has announced a comprehensive review of offshore wind energy regulations to ensure alignment with the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and current U.S. energy priorities under President Donald J. Trump. The initiative will involve examining the Renewable Energy Modernization Rule, financial assurance requirements, and decommissioning cost estimates for offshore wind projects. The stated aim is to prevent federal regulations from giving preferential treatment to foreign-controlled energy sources over domestic options.
The review is being led by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). It will focus on potential updates to rules found in 30 CFR parts 585, 586, and 285. These actions support Secretary’s Order 3437, which calls for ending preferential treatment for foreign-controlled energy sources in departmental decisions; Secretary’s Order 3438, which addresses management of federal energy resources and environmental protection; and a memorandum on wind energy signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025.
“The Department is fully committed to making sure that offshore energy development reflects President Trump’s America First Energy Dominance agenda and the real-world demands of today’s global energy landscape,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “We’re taking a results-driven approach that prioritizes reliability, strengthens national security and upholds both scientific integrity and responsible environmental stewardship.”
The department's effort also aligns with Executive Order 14315, directing agencies to identify and remove favoritism toward unreliable energy sources. In accordance with a presidential memorandum on wind energy, the Department has paused new approvals for offshore wind projects—including leases, permits, rights-of-way, and loans—while reviewing their impacts on the environment, national security, and the economy.
As part of these measures, BOEM rescinded all Designated Wind Energy Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf as of July 30, 2025. Additionally, BOEM eliminated requirements to publish a five-year schedule for offshore wind lease sales or update it every two years as of August 5, 2025.
The Department says it will continue its oversight role regarding the Outer Continental Shelf with an emphasis on protecting American interests through responsible energy production, environmental protection, and long-term economic stability.
