Seven states sue Trump administration over fossil fuel deal

Seven northeastern state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a March agreement that diverted investment from offshore wind projects to fossil fuels. The suit, led by New York's Attorney General, seeks to overturn a deal where the administration agreed to pay French energy company TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion.

In exchange for the payment, TotalEnergies abandoned leases for two offshore wind farms: Carolina Long Bay off the Carolinas and New York Bight off New Jersey and New York. The company instead committed to investing in a liquefied natural gas plant in Rio Grande, Texas, oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico, and shale gas production. TotalEnergies also agreed not to develop new wind projects in the U.S.

The coalition of attorneys general, all Democrats, contends that the Department of the Interior used "national security" as a pretext for the deal. They argue the department improperly used federal funds designated for ongoing or imminent litigation. The lawsuit asserts that canceling the wind leases will negatively impact the economies, electricity grids, and climate objectives of their states, particularly New York, which had planned to use the wind farms to meet growing energy demand and create jobs.

This action follows previous attempts by the Trump administration to halt wind energy projects. After taking office, Trump ordered a nationwide block and specific suspensions on wind projects, including some in New York, though these measures were previously blocked by courts. The lawsuit, filed in the District of Columbia, alleges violations of at least two federal laws and has the support of the New York state government.