German energy giant RWE has agreed a £960 million ($1.22 billion) settlement with the Trump administration to surrender its offshore wind leases across New York, California, and Louisiana. The major exit, announced on Thursday, brings Washington's total spending on its controversial offshore wind buyback scheme to nearly £3.15 billion ($4 billion). RWE, which confirmed it now holds no remaining US offshore wind leases, walked away citing insurmountable permitting barriers. Offshore Wind Buyback Accelerates Fossil Fuel PivotThe Trump administration's offshore wind buyback programme is designed to deliberately curb wind development in favour of fossil fuels. Previous Offshore Wind Buyback Payouts Prompt Legal BattlesThe RWE settlement is merely the latest in a rapid succession of federal buyouts.