In response to reports that the Trump administration will pay $1 billion to French energy giant TotalEnergies to abandon two U.S. offshore wind leases, the campaign group 350.org condemned the move as a reckless misuse of public funds that undermines clean energy progress and locks in future energy insecurity.

Anne Jellema, Chief Executive 350.org , “This is a billion-dollar handout to polluters. Instead of investing in affordable, homegrown renewable energy, the Trump administration is paying companies to walk away from clean power, and double down on fossil fuels that are driving wars, extreme weather and ever rising energy bills. It is nothing short of an insult to every American household that the government is funneling billions in public funds into the pockets of the oil and gas industry while citizens are being crushed by record-high utility costs. Using our hard-earned tax dollars to pay off fossil fuel companies after record high utility costs is a betrayal of the public trust and a direct blow to the economic security of millions who can no longer afford the price of corporate greed.”

The agreement would see TotalEnergies refunded for offshore wind leases off the coasts of North Carolina and New York, with the company planning to redirect investment into liquefied natural gas and expanded oil and gas production.

Fanny Petitbon, France Country Manager, 350.org,“The TotalEnergies-Trump alliance is a shameless victory lap for fossil fuel radicals who are determined to make us pay for expensive, outdated energy. Wind power is now consistently cheaper and more stable than gas. Rather than putting even more money in the pockets of Big Oil, governments should collect windfall taxes in order to cushion people’s bills and fund the transition to affordable renewables.”

The move follows repeated legal defeats for the administration’s attempts to halt offshore wind development, raising concerns that the payout is an attempt to sidestep court rulings and stall the sector by other means.

ENDS