California looks into Trump admin's deal to end offshore wind project

Key Points:

• California Energy Commission has issued an administrative subpoena to Golden State Wind, seeking documents related to its agreement with the Department of Interior to abandon its offshore wind lease for a payout.
• The Trump administration is spending nearly $2 billion to persuade energy companies to exit U.S. offshore wind projects, offering reimbursements if companies invest the funds in fossil fuel projects instead.
• Golden State Wind and Bluepoint Wind, both co-owned by Ocean Winds, agreed to end their leases in exchange for nearly $900 million in reimbursements contingent on fossil fuel investments.
• California officials, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, are preparing for potential legal action to protect the state’s renewable energy goals and investments, which total about $100 million in offshore wind development.
• Congressional Democrats are also investigating these lease buyout deals, with key lawmakers demanding more information about the agreements, particularly the $1 billion deal with TotalEnergies.