US Interior Plans Onshore, Offshore Wind Development Restrictions

The Trump administration, led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, is implementing new policies to curb the development of onshore and offshore wind energy as part of an "America First" energy strategy prioritizing fossil fuels and grid reliability. The Department of the Interior is reviewing whether to stop onshore wind projects on certain federal lands and halt future offshore wind lease sales, while also strengthening consultation with tribes, local communities, and the fishing industry to address the impacts of wind turbines. These actions include rescinding preferential treatment for wind projects, increasing scrutiny of their effects on migratory birds, and slowing solar and wind project approvals. The administration argues that wind energy development disrupts coastal economies, tourism, and traditional land uses such as recreation and grazing, and contends that wind power is an unreliable and subsidized energy source. Meanwhile, local opposition in regions like Northwest Arkansas has led several counties to impose moratoriums on wind farm construction over concerns about environmental risks, property values, and infrastructure challenges. Overall, these steps mark a significant shift away from the previous administration's renewable energy support toward prioritizing fossil fuels and nuclear energy.