Shannon Laun’s piece paints President Trump as the villain in New England’s energy story, but it leaves out some critical facts.
First, let’s talk about the Keystone XL Pipeline. President Biden shut it down on his very first day in office. That project would have provided thousands of good-paying jobs, strengthened U.S. energy independence, and delivered a reliable supply of affordable energy to Americans. Instead, Biden caved to environmental extremists and cut off a lifeline that would have stabilized energy markets. So before anyone accuses President Trump of destroying jobs, let’s remember who actually canceled them.
Second, New England’s energy future cannot be built on slogans alone. Wind and solar have their place, but they are intermittent sources — the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow. Pretending otherwise is reckless. That’s why President Trump is right to insist on a balanced, reliable energy mix that includes natural gas, nuclear power, and advanced renewables. Nuclear, in particular, offers clean, carbon-free, always-on electricity. If we’re serious about reducing emissions without sacrificing reliability, nuclear must be part of the conversation.
Third, the idea that offshore wind projects like Revolution Wind are some sort of cure-all ignores their very real detriments:
Skyrocketing costs – Offshore wind is among the most expensive forms of electricity. Ratepayers end up footing the bill through subsidies and higher electric rates.
Taxpayer handouts – Billions of federal and state tax dollars are funneled into wind power projects that cannot stand on their own. Families struggling to pay grocery bills shouldn’t be forced to bankroll failed experiments.
Unreliability – When the wind doesn’t blow, the grid still needs backup from fossil fuels or imports. That means double-paying for both wind and dependable baseload power.
Environmental harm – Large turbines disrupt marine ecosystems and pose risks to fisheries, particularly during construction.
Industrialization of coastlines – Massive turbine farms change the character of coastal communities, spoil viewsheds, and impact tourism.
Short lifespan and decommissioning costs – Offshore turbines last 20–25 years at best, leaving behind expensive removal projects that taxpayers will eventually shoulder.
Battery hazards – To “store” unreliable wind power, enormous lithium battery banks are needed. These are prone to fires that burn so hot they cannot be extinguished with water — endangering first responders and nearby communities.
These aren’t minor issues — they’re why many investors and European countries that went all-in on offshore wind are now facing financial losses and energy instability.
Finally, halting a half-baked offshore wind project is not “destroying jobs.” It’s about protecting taxpayers and ratepayers from being forced into subsidizing projects that are rushed, unreliable, dangerous, and not viable long-term.
President Trump’s energy policy is simple: all-of-the-above, America-first, affordable, and reliable. That means unleashing oil and gas production, finally investing in nuclear, and responsibly developing renewables where they make sense — without killing pipelines, without handcuffing industry, and without driving up costs for working families.
New Englanders deserve real solutions, not green pipe dreams. President Trump understands that. Joe Biden and Ned Lamont do not.
Mary Ann Turner lives in Enfield.