The Trump administration is freezing authorizations for wind and solar projects on federal lands and waters, underscoring a sharp shift in Washington's policy toward fossil fuels over renewable energy.The acting head of the U.S. Interior Department on Monday ordered a 60-day moratorium on approvals of leases, rights-of-way and other authorizations.
Four years ago, former President Joe Biden's administration ordered a nearly identical authorization freeze, except that it suspended authorizations for "fossil fuel" development.
President Donald Trump and his nominees have championed oil, gas and coal production while disparaging renewable energy sources as unreliable. Within hours of taking office, Trump blocked new lease sales for offshore wind farms and ordered the Interior Department to stop allowing turbines to be installed on federal lands and waters.
The order highlights the potential political risks of solar projects across the country. Renewable energy advocates are critical.
"This move will limit energy development to the detriment of consumers and fail to meet growing electricity demand." The American Clean Power Association said, "We need an energy strategy that 'needs no one less', not just one part."