A coalition of state attorneys general has initiated a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order that halts the advancement of wind energy projects. This legal action involves attorneys general from 17 states and Washington, D.C., who are contesting the order signed by Trump on his first day in office. The executive order pauses approvals, permits, and loans for all wind energy projects, both onshore and offshore, a move the plaintiffs argue exceeds presidential authority and undermines the development of a crucial energy source.
The lawsuit seeks a federal court declaration deeming the order unlawful and aims to prevent federal agencies from enforcing it. The attorneys general argue that the directive threatens the loss of numerous jobs, substantial investments, and delays the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, impacting public health and climate objectives.
The executive order claims to address alleged legal deficiencies in the federal government’s leasing and permitting processes for wind projects. It instructs the Interior Secretary to review these practices for federal waters and lands. The lawsuit was filed in Massachusetts federal court, with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management cited as one of the named federal agencies, though it has refrained from commenting on ongoing litigation.
The previous administration promoted offshore wind as a climate solution, setting national targets and approving numerous commercial projects. In contrast, President Trump is reversing these policies, promoting fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal, arguing they are essential for maintaining low-cost energy in the U.S.
In a notable move against wind energy, the Trump administration recently ordered the Norwegian company Equinor to cease construction on the Empire Wind project, situated southeast of Long Island, New York. Despite being 30% complete, the project faced criticism for alleged rushed approvals. Equinor, which undertook a seven-year permitting process, is considering separate legal actions.
Wind energy currently accounts for about 10% of the U.S.’s electricity, making it the largest renewable energy source in the nation. The attorneys general argue that the executive order contradicts the longstanding bipartisan support for wind energy and conflicts with the declaration of a national energy emergency that called for increased domestic energy production.
The coalition, which includes states like Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and New York, emphasizes their significant investments in wind energy and infrastructure. New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the order for creating regulatory uncertainty for businesses.
Offshore wind farms are central to many states’ renewable energy strategies, particularly along the East Coast. The first commercial-scale offshore wind farm in the U.S. began operating recently near Montauk Point, New York. Other states, like Massachusetts, are developing multiple offshore projects to ensure access to green jobs and affordable energy.
The Trump administration’s actions have included suspending federal funding for offshore wind research in Maine and revoking permits for projects in New Jersey. Internationally, countries like the U.K. and provinces like Nova Scotia are expanding their wind energy investments, highlighting the global shift towards renewable energy sources.
