Humboldt Bay, California, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The Trump administration has revoked nearly $679 million in federal funding for 12 offshore wind projects, including $426.7 million for the Humboldt Bay project. California leaders criticize the decision, arguing it jeopardizes job creation and delays renewable energy goals. The Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Terminal aimed to assemble large floating turbines off the coast, representing a critical move towards the state’s clean energy ambitions. Local officials continue to seek alternative funding to pursue the initiative despite federal cuts.
California – The Trump administration has revoked nearly $679 million in federal funding for 12 offshore wind projects, with the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Terminal losing $426.7 million. This announcement was made by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Friday, significantly impacting California’s ambition to expand its clean energy resources.
The Humboldt Bay project was developed to construct a marine terminal in Humboldt Bay, near Eureka, California, designed to assemble and deploy large floating wind turbines. These floating turbines could reach heights of up to 1,100 feet and would be installed more than 20 miles off the California coast. Locally, the project was viewed as a key initiative to enhance job creation and to stimulate the economy, especially as the region has faced economic downturns due to the decline of logging activities.
California leaders have criticized the funding cancellation as ill-conceived and damaging to job opportunities within the state. They argue the decision may inadvertently benefit other countries such as China, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, which have already deployed thousands of offshore wind turbines. Furthermore, the cancellation could significantly delay the project’s timelines by several years.
Joseph Villaseñor, a spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom, condemned the funding withdrawal as an affront to clean energy attainment in the state. California has set ambitious goals, aiming for 5,000 megawatts of ocean wind power by 2030 and a fully renewable electricity target by 2045.
The Biden administration previously established a national target of 30,000 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2030. Encouragingly, the current administration awarded wind power leases off Humboldt County in 2022, totaling $757 million. However, the Trump administration’s consistent opposition to wind energy, dating back to opposition over wind turbines near Trump’s golf course in Scotland in 2011, raises concerns about the future of wind projects.
In addition to the Humboldt Bay project cuts, approximately $252 million in federal funding has also been withdrawn from other offshore wind initiatives located in Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Michigan. The impact of the funding cuts is extensive as it not only jeopardizes immediate prospects for job creation but also hinders California’s overall renewable energy strategy, risking its goals amid a competitive global landscape.
Local officials and stakeholders, including the executive director of the Humboldt Bay Harbor District, remain determined to pursue the initiative. The Harbor District is currently seeking alternative funding options such as Proposition 4, a climate bond that allows for $475 million for offshore wind port projects. Experts acknowledge the importance of offshore wind energy in California’s future energy landscape, underlining its vital role in complementing solar energy productivity.
Further frustrations arise from ongoing challenges that the state faces in developing offshore wind infrastructure, including lawsuits against the administration that impede progress. State leaders, such as Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire and Rep. Jared Huffman, have voiced their discontent and pledged to continue their efforts toward realizing renewable energy initiatives.
The Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Terminal was anticipated to not only enhance California’s energy portfolio but also reproduce waterfront jobs that have dwindled over the past years, exacerbating local economic concerns. As the state moves forward, it must contend with these significant setbacks but continues to explore new paths in pursuit of renewable energy deployment.
FAQ
What is the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Terminal?
The Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Terminal is a proposed marine terminal in Humboldt Bay, California, designed for the assembly and deployment of large floating wind turbines.
Why was federal funding revoked for the Humboldt Bay project?
The Trump administration revoked nearly $426.7 million in federal funding, part of a larger cancellation of funding for various offshore wind projects across the country.
How will this funding revocation impact California?
The withdrawal of funding is expected to hinder job creation and delay the project, impacting California’s clean energy goals of 5,000 megawatts of ocean wind power by 2030.
What are California’s renewable energy goals?
California aims for 5,000 megawatts of ocean wind power by 2030 and a target of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2045.
What other projects were affected by the funding cuts?
Alongside the Humboldt Bay project, approximately $252 million in funding for other offshore wind projects in states such as Maryland, Connecticut, and New Jersey was also revoked.
Key Features of the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Revoked | $426.7 million – part of $679 million across 12 projects |
| Project Purpose | Construct marine terminal for floating wind turbines |
| Turbine Height | Up to 1,100 feet |
| Distance from Coast | 20+ miles offshore |
| Job Impact | Significant loss of construction jobs projected |
| Local Economic Revitalization | Project aimed at revitalizing a declining economy |
| California’s 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
- Lost Coast Outpost: Doomed Offshore Wind
- CNBC: Trump Administration Cancels $679 Million for Offshore Wind Projects
- Reuters: Trump Cancels $679 Million Federal Funding for Offshore Wind Projects
- American Bazaar: Trump Administration Withdraws $679 Million from Offshore Wind Projects
- Wikipedia: Offshore Wind Power
- Google Search: Offshore Wind Projects California
- Google Scholar: Offshore Wind Energy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wind Energy
- Google News: California Offshore Wind Projects
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange 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 major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
