President Donald Trump suspended new federal offshore wind leasing pending an environmental and economic review, saying wind mills are ugly, expensive and harm wildlife.

"President Trump’s energy policies will end leasing to massive wind farms that degrade our natural landscapes and fail to serve American energy consumers," it said. The comments stirred concern among wind power representatives, who said Trump's position jarred with his promise to maximize national energy output.

News circulated last week that Trump had tapped New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew, a Republican who’s frequently criticized projects proposed off the coast of his state, to draft an executive order on offshore wind. Industry observers said it may include a moratorium on all development.