Interior Department Initiates Stricter Review Process for Wind and Solar Projects

In a significant move announced on July 17, 2025, the Interior Department under the Trump administration will implement more rigorous political reviews of wind and solar energy projects. This decision aims to channel a variety of agency actions, including federal permits and environmental assessments, through the office of Secretary Doug Burgum directly, rather than allowing lower-level staff to manage approvals. Industry groups have raised concerns that such a shift could result in delays and complications for renewable energy initiatives.

The directive outlines that over 68 specific actions related to the approval of wind and solar projects will now require additional oversight. The agency justifies this initiative by asserting a need to eliminate what it describes as “preferential treatment for unreliable, subsidy-dependent wind and solar energy.” Although most renewable projects operate on private lands, many still seek input from the Interior Department to navigate federal regulations and comply with wildlife preservation and environmental standards.

Experts warn that the new bureaucratic layers may create significant bottlenecks in the development of renewable resources, potentially impeding efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. As the nation seeks to bolster its renewable energy capabilities, the practical implications of this directive remain to be seen as industry leaders prepare to respond to the evolving landscape of federal energy policies.