KEY POINTS
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The US Department of the Interior pauses U.S. large-scale offshore wind projects, citing national security risks from radar interference.
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Offshore turbines create radar clutter, potentially compromising defense capabilities near East Coast population centers.
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Federal agencies will collaborate to assess risks and develop mitigation strategies, ensuring renewable energy projects do not jeopardize national security.
The US Department of the Interior (DOI) announced on December 22, 2025, an immediate pause on all large-scale offshore wind projects currently under construction in the United States.
The decision, according to a DOI press release titled “The Trump Administration Protects U.S. National Security by Pausing Offshore Wind Leases”, follows classified reports from the Department of War identifying critical national security risks associated with the projects.
The pause, which impacts several high-profile offshore wind projects, is intended to allow time for coordination between the Department of the Interior, the Department of War, and other federal agencies to assess and implement mitigation strategies for the identified risks.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized the importance of prioritizing American security, citing the evolving nature of adversary technologies and vulnerabilities near East Coast population centers.
“Protecting our national defense capabilities is paramount,” Burgum stated. “As adversary technologies advance, we must ensure that critical infrastructure projects do not inadvertently compromise our security.”
Projects Affected by the Pause
The following offshore wind projects have been paused as part of the decision, according to the US Department of the Interior:
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Vineyard Wind 1 (OCS-A 0501)
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Revolution Wind (OCS-A 0486)
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CVOW – Commercial (OCS-A 0483)
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Sunrise Wind (OCS-A 0487)
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Empire Wind 1 (OCS-A 0512)
National Security Concerns
The classified reports from the Department of War highlighted specific risks posed by offshore wind turbines, particularly their impact on radar systems. The turbines can create radar “clutter,” which obscures or generates false radar targets.
This interference could hinder the ability to detect and track real threats, especially in areas near critical East Coast population centers, according to the statement from the DOI.
A 2024 Department of Energy report further underscored the challenge, noting that adjusting radar detection thresholds to reduce clutter may inadvertently increase the risk of missing real targets. The finding has raised concerns about the balance between advancing renewable energy initiatives and maintaining robust national defense capabilities.
The national security decision to pause the projects differs from the September 2025 withdrawal of funding for wind power. In that instance, ConstructConnect News reported that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and MARAD withdrew or terminated funding for 12 offshore wind projects totaling $679 million, describing them as “wasteful wind projects.”
According to officials, the September decision redirected funding toward traditional energy, freight, port, and maritime infrastructure priorities.
What’s Next
The Department of the Interior stated that the immediate pause will provide an opportunity to thoroughly review the feasibility of the offshore projects while ensuring that national defense capabilities remain uncompromised.
The collaboration between federal agencies aims to identify and implement strategies to mitigate the risks associated with offshore wind infrastructure.
In January 2025, the White House announced a temporary withdrawal of all Outer Continental Shelf areas from offshore wind leasing, launching a review of federal leasing and permitting practices to address energy reliability, environmental impacts, rising costs, and the sustainability of the fishing industry.
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