A new directive mandates that all wind and solar energy projects on federal lands and waters must receive personal approval from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. This order enables him to conduct a comprehensive review of various activities related to these projects, including leases, construction plans, and operational strategies. The Interior Department aims to enhance scrutiny on these renewable energy initiatives, stating that the goal is to eliminate preferential treatment for what it terms “unreliable, subsidy-dependent” energy sources.
Burgum’s directive is seen as a measure to ensure thorough evaluations of proposed projects that would occupy millions of acres of federal land and offshore zones. However, clean energy advocates argue that this increased oversight could delay projects that need to commence urgently to qualify for federal tax credits, which are diminishing under recent legislation signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. The new law phases out financial incentives for wind and solar energy while bolstering subsidies for fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Stephanie Bosh, a senior vice president at the Solar Energy Industries Association, criticized the directive, asserting that it adds unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles at a time when energy demand is rising. “This directive is going to make it harder to maintain our global leadership in renewable energy and achieve energy independence,” Bosh stated.
The legislation that led to this directive dismantles the climate law enacted under President Biden in 2022, further tightening regulations on clean energy. Trump’s recent executive order restricts subsidies for renewable energy, which he labels as “expensive and unreliable”. This move aligns with the interests of conservative lawmakers who were dissatisfied with the previous tax-cut bill, which did not immediately eliminate all subsidies for clean energy.
Republican senators like Lisa Murkowski from Alaska and John Curtis from Utah advocated for a delay in phasing out some tax credits to allow ongoing projects to proceed without interruption. Despite this, Trump has voiced his disapproval of wind power, claiming it is not a viable form of energy. The recent changes in legislation could hinder the growth of the solar and wind industries and potentially lead to increased utility rates for consumers.
Democrats and environmental groups warn that the new law threatens numerous renewable energy projects essential for strengthening the nation’s electric grid, especially as demand surges due to data centers and artificial intelligence applications. Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, characterized the directive as “obstruction” rather than oversight, arguing it could severely impact the fastest-growing energy sectors in the country.
In an official statement, the Interior Department claimed that Burgum’s order would create a more level playing field for traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas, after years of what they described as bias against these sectors. Adam Suess, acting assistant secretary for lands and minerals management, underscored that America’s energy strategy should focus on reliable energy production rather than regulatory favoritism toward renewable projects.
While the new tax law supports traditional energy sources, it allows wind and solar projects that start construction within a year of its enactment to receive full tax credits without a deadline for completion. Projects that begin later must be operational by the end of 2027 to qualify for credits. The law maintains incentives for advanced technologies such as nuclear, geothermal, and hydropower until 2032.
Currently, about 10% of new solar power projects are planned on federal lands. Analysts from Wood Mackenzie have indicated that delays in obtaining permits from Burgum could jeopardize these initiatives. Similar concerns exist for related infrastructure projects, such as transmission lines, which may also face setbacks due to this heightened review process.
As the renewable energy sector grapples with these new regulations, the landscape for energy production in the United States is poised for significant shifts, raising questions about future investments and the pace of transition to cleaner energy sources.
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