18 states sue Trump admin to protect wind industry

President Donald Trump is currently facing legal challenges over his executive order that temporarily withdrew offshore wind energy leases and initiated a review of wind power permitting practices. The District of Columbia and 17 states have filed a lawsuit against Trump, along with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, accusing the administration of halting progress in the renewable energy sector.

The lawsuit alleges that the administration’s move to conduct an “amorphous, redundant, extra-statutory, and multi-agency review of unknown duration” is hindering the development of wind energy projects. The plaintiffs argue that the order forces federal agencies to relinquish their congressionally imposed responsibilities and halt the issuance of approvals, permits, leases, and loans for onshore and offshore wind projects until a comprehensive assessment is completed.

The states involved in the lawsuit warn of potential job losses, economic impacts, and a setback in achieving the goal of sourcing 10% of the country’s energy from wind power. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell emphasized the importance of continuing offshore wind projects that have already attracted significant investments and created well-paying green jobs.

Despite the legal challenges, the White House defended the executive order, stating that it aims to unleash American energy resources and lower energy costs for families. The administration criticized the lawsuit as an obstruction to the president’s energy agenda and accused Democrat attorneys general of using legal tactics to impede progress in the energy sector.

In response to the legal battle, California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized Trump’s directive as reckless and detrimental to clean energy initiatives. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy reaffirmed his state’s commitment to clean energy goals and vowed to reverse the disruption caused by the executive order. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha also reiterated the state’s dedication to climate targets despite the administration’s actions.

The ongoing dispute highlights the clash between federal energy policies and state-led efforts to promote renewable energy sources. As the legal battle unfolds, the future of offshore wind energy development in the United States remains uncertain.