The US Department of the Interior has issued a directive requiring personal approval from Secretary Doug Burgum for all wind and solar energy projects on federal lands and waters. The order introduces heightened scrutiny to dozens of actions involved in developing renewable energy infrastructure, including leases, rights-of-way, and construction authorizations.

The policy shift aligns with a broader push by the Trump administration to reduce federal support for renewable energy and elevate conventional energy sources like coal, natural gas, and nuclear. The directive was issued in response to President Trump’s executive order, Ending Market Distorting Subsidies for Unreliable, Foreign‑Controlled Energy Sources, and follows the recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill, “which phases out tax credits for wind and solar.

The Administration’s Rationale

DOI officials argue the changes will promote reliability in US energy infrastructure. According to the Interior Department, renewables are “unreliable” and overly dependent on government subsidies. Officials emphasized that the new review structure is designed to restore balance in federal energy policy and support domestic baseload energy generation.

The DOI press release states the following:

“By removing these artificial advantages, the Department is leveling the playing field for dispatchable, cost-effective and secure energy sources, such as clean coal and domestic natural gas, after years of assault under the previous administration. These actions mark a return to common-sense permitting standards that support national security, grid stability and American job creation.”

Industry & Environmental Reaction

Industry leaders and environmental advocates have voiced strong opposition. Clean energy groups argue the directive could delay or derail projects that are already at risk due to expiring tax incentives. They say the new requirements could slow the deployment of energy infrastructure needed to meet rising demand from AI data centers and electrification efforts.

Stephanie Bosh, a spokesperson for the Solar Energy Industries Association, warned that delays would increase project costs and create uncertainty for developers. Jason Grumet, CEO of American Clean Power, criticized the policy as bureaucratic “obstruction” that hampers one of the fastest-growing segments of the US economy.

Legislative & Regulatory Context

The order is part of a broader reorientation of US energy policy under the Trump administration. The “One Big Beautiful Bill,” enacted on July 4, phases out federal tax credits for wind and solar over a compressed timeline. The recent executive order instructs agencies to identify and repeal preferential treatment for renewables in all regulations, guidance documents, and permitting protocols. Federal departments have 45 days to report on their implementation efforts.

Impacts On Projects & Development

While only a small percentage of solar and wind capacity is currently built on federal lands, a significant pipeline of future projects could be affected. Around 10% of future solar capacity and 1% of wind capacity are expected to rely on public lands or waters. The new oversight could also impact transmission line development, which often requires federal permitting.

Projects now face a potentially lengthy and uncertain review process, with any action among 69 specified project steps requiring sign-off from the Secretary’s office. This could delay not only new development but also amendments to existing permits.

What’s Next

Interior and Treasury departments must deliver a full report within 45 days outlining regulatory and procedural changes. Until then, all qualifying renewable energy projects on federal land will undergo elevated review.