The Trump administration tightens the review for wind and solar projects in the United States. It requires Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s office to conduct an “elevated review” of all wind and solar projects on government property, avoiding lower-level agency employees. On July 17, 2025, the Department of the Interior announced this expanded oversight, which includes biological views, building plans, grants, leases, rights-of-way, and consultations. The action is in line with President Donald Trump’s Energy Dominance program, which includes his recent Executive Order to eliminate green energy subsidies and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Concerns over the future of sustainable energy development are raised by this shift, which aims to refocus attention from subsidized renewable projects to dependable energy sources like coal and natural gas.

Enhanced Oversight and Subsidy Cuts

Trump’s promise to expose what his administration refers to as the “Green New Scam” is followed by the new edict. Ending preferential treatment for wind and solar projects that depend on government subsidies and foreign technology is emphasized in the Department of the Interior’s statement. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will level the playing field for dispatchable energy sources by eliminating long-standing capacity fees and right-of-way discounts for these projects.

Acting Assistant Secretary Adam Suess emphasized that by giving domestic energy production precedence over what he considers economically unfeasible renewable projects, this strategy safeguards American taxpayers. Although officials in New York expect to resume efforts if federal rules change, the decision has already sparked action, since the city has cancelled an offshore wind project that was supposed to produce 4,770 MW for New York City by 2033.

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Impact on Renewable Energy Goals

The US Department of Energy estimates that by 2035, the Department of the Interior, which oversees vast federal lands, will account for 12.5% of the nation’s renewable energy production, up from 4% currently. This expansion could be halted by a stricter assessment process, as increased scrutiny and reduced subsidies may discourage investment in solar and wind farms.

According to media reports, the Trump administration tightens review for wind and solar projects, and this approach may undo the progress made by previous administrations, especially when states like New York modify their plans for renewable energy. Critics worry that this could hinder the shift to cleaner energy sources in the face of mounting global climate concerns, undermining long-term sustainability goals, despite the administration’s claims that it promotes energy security.

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