The Trump administration announced a significant change on Thursday regarding the review process for wind and solar energy projects. The Interior Department has stated that all agency actions related to approving new renewable energy facilities will now undergo more stringent political scrutiny. This decision could result in considerable delays and bottlenecks for numerous projects aimed at harnessing wind and solar energy.
In a memo issued by the department, it's indicated that a range of over 68 specific agency actions—including federal permits, environmental assessments, lease sales, and wildlife impact evaluations—will now be overseen directly by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his office. This marks a shift from the previous protocol, where lower-level agency staff managed these approvals.
The agency claims the new directives are aimed at "ending preferential treatment for unreliable, subsidy-dependent wind and solar energy." However, industry experts warn that this sweeping overhaul could hamper the progress of a multitude of renewable projects, despite the fact that only a fraction of wind and solar installations occurs on federal lands.
Notably, many renewable energy initiatives on private lands often consult with the Interior Department to ascertain whether they require federal permits to remain compliant with various wildlife protections and other laws. This new approach raises questions about the future viability and pace of renewable energy developments in the United States, as stakeholders brace for potential hindrances in project approvals.
In a memo issued by the department, it's indicated that a range of over 68 specific agency actions—including federal permits, environmental assessments, lease sales, and wildlife impact evaluations—will now be overseen directly by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his office. This marks a shift from the previous protocol, where lower-level agency staff managed these approvals.
The agency claims the new directives are aimed at "ending preferential treatment for unreliable, subsidy-dependent wind and solar energy." However, industry experts warn that this sweeping overhaul could hamper the progress of a multitude of renewable projects, despite the fact that only a fraction of wind and solar installations occurs on federal lands.
Notably, many renewable energy initiatives on private lands often consult with the Interior Department to ascertain whether they require federal permits to remain compliant with various wildlife protections and other laws. This new approach raises questions about the future viability and pace of renewable energy developments in the United States, as stakeholders brace for potential hindrances in project approvals.
