US strikes $1.2B deal to pay German firm to halt offshore wind projects (bbc.com)

Article summary

The US government has reached a $1.2 billion deal with German energy company RWE to halt its offshore wind projects in the US. RWE will instead invest in conventional gas projects, including a liquefied natural gas export terminal in Louisiana. The move is seen as part of the Trump administration's push to support fossil fuels over renewable energy. The deal is the latest in a series of agreements reached by the administration to halt offshore wind projects.

Main themes

• Offshore wind energy
• Fossil fuel subsidies
• US energy policy
• Renewable energy
• Government subsidies
• Energy security

What commenters say

• The Trump administration's decision to halt offshore wind projects is a misguided attempt to support fossil fuels over renewable energy.
• The concept of 'common sense' is being misused by politicians to justify decisions without providing real justification or expertise.
• The emphasis on economic growth and cheap energy can lead to environmental degradation and is not a sustainable long-term strategy.
• Expertise and specialized knowledge are necessary for making informed decisions, and 'common sense' is not a sufficient basis for policy decisions.
• The US is falling behind other countries, such as China, in terms of energy policy and investment in renewable energy.
• The use of 'common sense' as a justification for policy decisions is a way to dismiss opposing views and avoid nuanced discussion.
• The boundaries of expertise and the limitations of resources, time, and information must be recognized in decision-making, and solutions may need to be satisficing rather than optimal.
• The distinction between 'common sense' and specialized knowledge is important, and baking, for example, is a process that requires skill and expertise, not just 'common sense'.