Legislative Republicans Urge Revocation of Gulf of Maine Offshore Wind Leases

September 9, 2025

AUGUSTA - Republican lawmakers from the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, along with several state Representatives and Senators, have called on U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to revoke all remaining Gulf of Maine offshore wind leases.

In a letter sent this week, lawmakers praised the Trump Administration's action to halt new offshore wind leasing and highlighted the risk these projects pose to Maine's $3.2 billion fishing industry, over 33,000 related jobs, and coastal communities.

The letter cites:

• The unproven technology and lack of power purchase agreements for floating wind platforms,
• Federal assessments warning of risks to fisheries, marine life and endangered species,
• The withdrawal of key industry players from the Maine Research Array project, and
• Rising energy costs for Maine families and businesses.

"Maine already has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation. Pushing forward with costly, experimental offshore wind projects will only harm our economy and heritage," said Rep. Reagan Paul (R-Winterport), whose district has been targeted for offshore wind port development.

The legislators are urging federal officials to:

• Revoke the four Gulf of Maine leases auctioned in 2024,
• Terminate the Maine Research Array lease,
• Cancel the upcoming bottom trawl survey, and
• Review offshore wind policies to prioritize affordable, reliable energy.

"Floating offshore wind remains too experimental, too costly, and too disruptive for the people of Maine to bear," the letter concludes.

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