Humboldt Bay, California, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The Trump administration has revoked nearly $426.7 million in federal funding for the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Terminal, affecting California’s renewable energy goals. Local leaders criticize the move as detrimental to job creation and competitiveness against other nations in offshore wind energy. Despite the setback, officials are exploring alternative funding options to continue the project, which aims to significantly contribute to California’s renewable energy infrastructure.
California – The Trump administration has officially revoked nearly $426.7 million in federal funding intended for the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Terminal, part of a larger $679 million budget cut affecting twelve offshore wind projects across the United States. The announcement was made by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Friday. The Humboldt Bay project, aimed at constructing a marine terminal in Humboldt Bay near Eureka, California, was designed to assemble and deploy large floating wind turbines, marking a critical step toward California’s renewable energy goals.
California leaders have sharply criticized the decision, labeling it as shortsighted and harmful to the state’s construction job market. This funding cancellation raises concerns that it will put California at a competitive disadvantage against countries like China, the UK, and Denmark, which have made significant strides in offshore wind energy by deploying thousands of wind turbines.
Officials have emphasized the significant impact of the Humboldt Bay project on local job creation, especially in light of the decline of the logging industry in the region. The proposed floating turbines, which could reach heights of up to 1,100 feet, were intended to be located over 20 miles offshore. The Humboldt Bay terminal represents the largest project of its kind on the West Coast and is a part of California’s strategy to achieve 5,000 megawatts of ocean wind power by 2030, contributing to a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2045.
The Biden administration had previously committed to a national target of 30,000 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2030, signifying a shift in energy policy favoring renewable sources. In 2022, federal wind power leases off Humboldt County were awarded for $757 million, underlining the previous administration’s support for such energy projects.
Former President Trump has been known for opposing wind energy initiatives, a stance that can be traced back to when the Scottish government authorized wind turbines near his golf course in 2011. Along with the Humboldt Bay project funding, the Trump administration has also canceled $252 million directed toward other offshore wind projects across various states, including Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.
Despite the setback, officials from the Humboldt Bay Harbor District are determined to pursue the project and are actively seeking alternative funding sources. This includes Proposition 4, a climate bond that allocates $475 million specifically for offshore wind port projects. Local leaders have vowed to continue championing renewable energy initiatives even after the funding withdrawal.
The Humboldt Bay project was located at the former site of a timber pulp mill, which was a focal point of the local economy. The loss of funding not only threatens to delay the project by several years but also shifts timelines significantly, which could have long-term effects on California’s offshore wind infrastructure development. The state has already faced multiple hurdles, including lawsuits aimed at overturning decisions that have hindered progress in this critical area.
Energy experts have pointed out the essential role of offshore wind in California’s energy future, which complements solar energy solutions. The backlash against the funding revocation continues to build among California officials, with expressions of disappointment and commitment to renewable energy remaining strong in the face of these challenges.
FAQs
What funding was revoked by the Trump administration?
The Trump administration revoked nearly $426.7 million in federal funding for the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Terminal, part of a total cancellation of $679 million for twelve offshore wind projects.
What was the goal of the Humboldt Bay project?
The goal of the Humboldt Bay project was to construct a marine terminal for assembling and deploying large floating wind turbines, contributing to California’s objective of generating 5,000 megawatts of ocean wind power by 2030.
How does this funding cut affect job creation in California?
The cancellation of funding is believed to have a detrimental impact on job creation in California, particularly in the construction sector, which could have benefited from the development of the Humboldt Bay project.
What are the next steps for the Humboldt Bay project?
The Humboldt Bay Harbor District plans to continue advocating for the project and is exploring alternative funding sources, including a climate bond that could allocate funds for offshore wind port projects.
Key Features of the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Humboldt Bay, near Eureka, California |
| Funding Revoked | $426.7 million |
| Project Size | Largest of its kind on the West Coast |
| Expected Maximum Height of Turbines | Up to 1,100 feet |
| Distance from Shore | Over 20 miles |
| California’s Energy Goal | 5,000 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2030 |
| Federal National Goal | 30,000 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2030 |
| Job Creation Opportunity | Substantial for local economy |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Times Standard: Humboldt County Leaders Respond
- Lost Coast Outpost: Doomed Offshore Wind
- CNBC: Trump Administration Cancels Funding
- American Bazaar: Trump Administration Withdraws Funding
- Wikipedia: Offshore Wind Power
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego 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 Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
