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On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to pause wind energy development on federal lands and waters, a major attack on America’s largest renewable energy industry. The executive order temporarily stops offshore wind lease sales in federal waters and halts the approval of leases, permits, and loans for both offshore and onshore wind energy projects. The order specifically names the planned Lava Ridge wind project in Idaho, which was permitted at the end of Biden’s term, issuing a moratorium on the 231-turbine project pending a review by the Secretary of the Interior.
While the order states that “nothing in this withdrawal affects rights under existing leases,” it also directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a comprehensive review to determine if “terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases” is warranted. Meanwhile, Doug Burgum, Trump's nominee for Interior secretary, suggested during his confirmation hearing that wind projects that are already underway could move forward.
Trump’s disdain for wind energy dates back to when he sued to block a wind farm that was visible from his golf course in Scotland. During his inauguration speech, Trump falsely claimed that “big, ugly windmills” are killing whales and birds. There is no evidence that wind turbines harm marine mammals, and birds face a far greater threat from house cats than wind turbines. The Trump administration is likely to face legal action from wind proponents for any action it takes against the industry.
Trump's Day One attack on public lands
On the latest episode of The Landscape, Kate and Aaron talk through the effects of President Donald Trump’s first executive orders on public lands with Drew McConville, a senior fellow on the Conservation Policy team at the Center for American Progress. His research is focused on energy, public lands, and Alaska.
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The land is sacred to us. It’s holy land, it’s the place of our creation, and it’s been used as a ceremonial gathering and teaching area for our people since time immemorial. That’s why it’s so important to get a long-term protection solution for this very valuable place.”
