A federal judge ordered the Pentagon to lift its freeze on reviewing offshore wind energy projects for national security concerns, dealing a setback to the Trump administration’s policies against the renewables industry. The Defense Department had stopped processing the mandatory 75-day reviews entirely in May.
Federal Court Order Targets Pentagon Review Freeze
U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday requiring the Pentagon to resume reviewing offshore wind energy projects for national security concerns. The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit brought by renewable energy groups challenging the policy.
Under a 2011 law, the Defense Department is required to complete national security reviews within 75 days. However, the department began slowing down approvals for proposed wind projects last year before halting the process altogether in May. When contacted regarding the court’s decision, the Pentagon’s press office stated in an email that the department does not comment on ongoing litigation.
Broader Administration Pushback Against Wind Energy
The Pentagon’s review freeze represents one of several tools the Trump administration has used to undercut the renewables industry. President Donald Trump has criticized wind power as being ugly and expensive.
At the same time, the Interior Department has separately bought back $3.9 billion in offshore wind leases. Thursday’s acquisition of lease areas from Germany’s RWE marked the fifth deal of its kind executed by the department.
Grid Pressures and Energy Economics
Proponents of renewable energy argue that wind projects are vital for curbing climate change by generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Offshore wind holds particular importance as an energy source for major East Coast cities where space for onshore construction is limited.
Analysts say Trump’s policies to stymie renewables and boost fossil fuels are probably subtracting energy from the grid at a time when consumers’ electricity bills are rapidly rising.
Legal Battle Progresses as Litigation Continues
District Judge Karin J. Immergut lifts the freeze as the lawsuit challenging the policy plays out in court.
