California, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The Trump administration has revoked nearly $679 million in federal funding for 12 offshore wind projects, including a significant cut of $426.7 million for California’s Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind project. California leaders criticize the decision as detrimental to renewable energy initiatives and job creation in the state. The Humboldt Bay project aimed to build a terminal for floating wind turbines, pivotal for California’s clean energy goals. The funding cut raises concerns about the state’s competitiveness in the offshore wind industry amid growing global investments.
California – The Trump administration has revoked nearly $679 million in federal funding for 12 offshore wind projects, including a significant $426.7 million cut for California’s Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Terminal. The announcement was made by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Friday, drawing sharp criticism from California leaders who view the decision as detrimental to the state’s clean energy initiatives and construction jobs.
The Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind project, located near Eureka, was intended to build a marine terminal for assembling and deploying large floating wind turbines. This project, part of California’s ambitious goal to generate 5,000 megawatts of ocean wind power by 2030, was seen as crucial for the state’s target of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2045.
Critics of the funding cancellation argue that it undermines California’s position in the rapidly growing global offshore wind industry, potentially providing an advantage to countries like China, the UK, and Denmark, which have already made substantial investments in this field. Daniel Villaseñor, a spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom, described the withdrawal of funding as an assault on both clean energy and vital infrastructure development.
The Humboldt Bay project was designed to deploy floating turbines that could reach heights of up to 1,100 feet and would be situated more than 20 miles offshore. It was also a key opportunity for job creation in California, particularly as the local economy struggles with the decline of logging. Chris Mikkelsen, the executive director of the Humboldt Bay Harbor District, has stated that they will continue efforts to realize the project despite this setback, exploring alternative funding sources including Proposition 4, a state climate bond designated for offshore wind initiatives.
Along with the Humboldt Bay funding revocation, the Trump administration also rescinded $252 million in funding for other offshore wind projects across several states, including Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Michigan. The decision is indicative of Trump’s long-standing opposition to wind energy, dating back to when the Scottish government approved wind turbines near his golf course in 2011.
The cancellation of funding could delay the Humboldt Bay project by several years, significantly shifting its timelines. California has also faced numerous challenges in developing its offshore wind infrastructure, including ongoing lawsuits intended to challenge decisions made by the federal administration that hinder progress.
The Biden administration had previously set a national goal of 30,000 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2030, and in 2022 awarded wind power leases off Humboldt County for $757 million. The Humboldt Bay project was expected to revitalize the local economy, and its future remains uncertain with this funding withdrawal.
California state officials, including Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire and Rep. Jared Huffman, expressed disappointment over the funding withdrawal, reaffirming their commitment to pursuing renewable energy initiatives. Energy experts emphasize that offshore wind is an essential component of the future energy landscape in California, highlighting its ability to complement existing solar energy resources.
FAQ
What is the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind project?
The Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind project aims to construct a marine terminal for assembling and deploying large floating wind turbines off the coast of California, contributing to the state’s renewable energy goals.
How much federal funding was revoked for the project?
The Trump administration revoked $426.7 million in federal funding specifically for the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Terminal as part of a larger cut of $679 million for 12 offshore wind projects.
What are the potential impacts of this funding cut?
The funding cut could delay the project’s timelines by several years and negatively affect job creation and the local economy in Humboldt County, which has already been struggling with a decline in logging.
Chart: Key Features of the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Terminal |
| Location | Eureka, California |
| Height of Turbines | Up to 1,100 feet |
| Distance from Shore | Over 20 miles offshore |
| Cancelled Funding | $426.7 million |
| State Renewable Energy Goal | 5,000 megawatts of ocean wind power by 2030 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Times Standard: Humboldt County Leaders Respond
- Wikipedia: Offshore Wind Power
- Lost Coast Outpost: Doomed Offshore Wind
- Google Search: Offshore Wind Energy California
- CNBC: Trump Administration Cancels Offshore Wind Funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wind Energy
- Reuters: Trump Cancels Offshore Wind Funding
- Google Scholar: Offshore Wind Projects California
- American Bazaar: Trump Administration Withdraws Offshore Wind Funding
- Google News: Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Project
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
