đź•’ Last updated on September 16, 2025
The U.S. was once set to lead in offshore wind, with years of research, investment, and a 40-state supply chain promising jobs and clean energy. Now, those opportunities are shifting overseas as projects are halted, while focus turns to building a new ballroom beside the White House.
Offshore wind projects blocked
Offshore wind was once seen as a key piece of America’s energy future. Turbines placed in shallow coastal waters could power millions of homes. Floating wind farms, designed to sit far out at sea on anchored platforms, offered even greater potential. They could avoid conflicts with fishing, shipping, and military routes while protecting ocean life and keeping the shoreline views clear.
But in recent months, approvals for new projects have been reversed. The Department of Justice canceled the permit for a major offshore wind project in Maryland, even though it had already been approved by federal and state regulators. Industry groups immediately pushed back, saying the sudden move was unlawful and devastating for American workers and businesses.
These cancellations have real costs. Thousands of families who were counting on paychecks from turbine construction, shipping, and related services are now left without income. Ports that were being upgraded to handle wind equipment are sitting idle. Entire supply chains that had begun to grow across dozens of states have been disrupted.
The cuts do not stop at monopile wind farms in shallow waters. Floating offshore wind—an area where the U.S. had once been a pioneer—has also been shut down. Principle Power, a company that received government support to design new floating turbine platforms, is now taking its work overseas. Its technology is being installed off the coast of France, showing that Europe is ready to benefit from years of U.S.-backed innovation.
Jobs lost while Europe moves forward
Floating wind farms represent some of the most promising opportunities in renewable energy. Unlike turbines built close to shore, floating platforms can be placed in deeper waters where winds are stronger and steadier. These platforms are anchored with cables and can be moved to areas that don’t interfere with other marine activities.
The U.S. had already invested heavily in this technology. As early as 2009, Principle Power began receiving support to test its floating platform design. By 2014, it had turbines operating in open water. Later, it attracted private investment from major global companies and was tasked with leading a consortium to expand floating wind development across the country.
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Now, instead of building those projects at home, Principle Power is moving forward in Europe. This month, it announced the successful installation of three floating turbine platforms off the French coast. These platforms carry some of the largest turbines ever installed on floating structures. The project is small, but it demonstrates that the technology works and is ready to scale.
Meanwhile, Europe is preparing larger floating wind farms, with gigawatts of capacity already in the pipeline. The financing models being tested overseas are proving that floating wind is not only technically possible but also bankable. Investors and governments abroad are picking up where the U.S. left off, while American workers see their jobs vanish.
A new ballroom takes center stage
While offshore wind projects are being shut down, another high-profile construction plan is moving forward in Washington, D.C. A brand-new ballroom is set to rise next to the White House, with an estimated cost of $200 million. The space is expected to host large events and gatherings for high-profile guests.
The project will not rely on taxpayer money, according to official announcements. Instead, the cost is said to be covered by private donors. Even so, the timing has raised eyebrows. At the same moment thousands of workers across the country are losing jobs tied to offshore wind, resources and attention are shifting toward creating a lavish new venue in the nation’s capital.
Before the crackdown, the offshore wind industry had supported not only manufacturing and construction jobs but also related industries. Fishing boats were being contracted to ferry workers to and from turbine sites. Port cities were modernizing to handle massive turbine components. Families in dozens of states were beginning to see steady paychecks from this growing sector.
Now, much of that is gone. The turbines will rise, but in Europe. The jobs will grow, but overseas. And in Washington, a new ballroom—glittering and grand—will take its place as the project of the moment.