Interior Secretary Burgum Now Reviews All Wind & Solar Projects

The U.S. Interior Department now says that all wind and solar energy projects on federal land and water must be personally approved by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. This includes:

• Leases
• Construction plans
• Rights-of-way
• Grants
• Environmental reports like biological opinions

The department calls this approach an “elevated review.” Its goal is to end what it sees as special treatment for wind and solar energy.

Why Now?

This order follows President Trump’s executive order from July 7. That order said the government should:

• Phase out clean energy tax credits
• Shift support toward coal, oil, and natural gas

The goal is to make energy policy “neutral” or fair for all types of energy. The department said it wants to help reliable, affordable sources like coal and natural gas.

Response from Clean Energy Advocates

Many people worry this policy adds too much red tape. They say it could delay or block clean energy projects at a time when the country needs more power. Stephanie Bosh of the Solar Energy Industries Association said: “At a time when energy demand is skyrocketing, adding more layers of bureaucracy… is exactly the wrong approach.” Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, said it is: “obstruction that will needlessly harm the fastest-growing sources of electric power.” 

Race to Claim Tax Credits

A new law shrinks tax credits for renewable energy. Now, only projects that start building within one year get full credit. Others must be online by the end of 2027. Clean energy developers worry that the new review process adds delays. Delays could stop projects from starting on time and losing those credits.

Effects on Local Projects

Wind and solar projects often need transmission lines and roads. These sometimes cross federal lands. That means they too now need Burgum’s approval. Sylvia Leyva Martínez at Wood Mackenzie estimates that about 10% of new solar projects on federal land may be delayed or canceled if approval is slow.

Policy Details

Bipartisan Concern

Opposition to this policy includes people from both parties:

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska): Calls it “the final nail” in a compromise for tax credits.
• Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.): Warns this will raise power costs across the country.
• Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.): Says all energy needs fast permits—coal too 

Local Project Example

In New York, an offshore wind transmission plan was paused. They said it was to avoid extra costs because federal permits were uncertain. New York still keeps going with other wind farms. But the transmission line plan is on hold.

Why This Matters

Federal land covers about one-third of the U.S. Some of the best places for wind and solar are there. Studies show that long federal permitting times already slow clean energy. Some projects, like the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre wind farm in Wyoming, took years in permitting and are still delayed.

What Experts Say

• Permitting delays can raise costs, add risks, and stop projects entirely.
  • Clean energy now makes up over 90% of new power added last year.
  • Fixing federal permitting alone is not enough. Local rules and power line connections matter too.

Looking Ahead

The big questions now are:

• Will Secretary Burgum approve projects fast enough?
• Will states and private companies challenge delays?
• How much will this slow down America’s clean energy plans?

Final Thoughts

This policy shows the Trump administration wants more control over wind and solar projects. It aims to treat all energy about the same. But critics say it may slow or block important projects. That could boost power bills and hurt the shift to clean energy.

With energy demand rising—especially for data centers and AI—the next few months will be key. Will America choose speed or more steps in its energy policy?