The coalition of states argues the administration's actions could jeopardize an essential energy resource and economic growth.
Eighteen States Challenge Trump Administration on Wind Energy Permits
Eighteen States Challenge Trump Administration on Wind Energy Permits
Lawsuit claims halt to projects threatens jobs and the clean energy transition
Eighteen states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in response to its suspension of permits for wind energy projects. The lawsuit contends that the administration's actions endanger a growing sector of the clean energy market. “This administration is undermining one of the most promising sources of affordable and sustainable energy in our country,” stated New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is among the plaintiffs. She emphasized that the permit freeze threatens to eliminate thousands of jobs and delay critical investments, hindering the shift away from fossil fuels detrimental to public health and the environment.
The suspension, announced via an executive order on January 20, halted all wind farm permits while federal reviews were conducted. According to the suit, this action has jeopardized substantial existing investments by compelling federal agencies to comply with the order. Furthermore, the executive order instructed the U.S. attorney general and the Secretary of the Interior to consider “terminating or amending” current wind farm leases, which significantly increases uncertainty for companies within the industry.
Wind energy currently accounts for approximately 10 percent of the electricity generated in the United States, with various new projects in the pipeline, particularly in regions like the Great Plains and off the Atlantic coast. Recently, the administration put a significant wind project—the Empire Wind, located off Long Island—on hold, despite it having cleared the necessary permit process. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum suggested that the analysis conducted during the project’s approval phase by the previous administration was inadequate and rushed, causing further strikes against the sector's stability.
The suspension, announced via an executive order on January 20, halted all wind farm permits while federal reviews were conducted. According to the suit, this action has jeopardized substantial existing investments by compelling federal agencies to comply with the order. Furthermore, the executive order instructed the U.S. attorney general and the Secretary of the Interior to consider “terminating or amending” current wind farm leases, which significantly increases uncertainty for companies within the industry.
Wind energy currently accounts for approximately 10 percent of the electricity generated in the United States, with various new projects in the pipeline, particularly in regions like the Great Plains and off the Atlantic coast. Recently, the administration put a significant wind project—the Empire Wind, located off Long Island—on hold, despite it having cleared the necessary permit process. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum suggested that the analysis conducted during the project’s approval phase by the previous administration was inadequate and rushed, causing further strikes against the sector's stability.
