Renewable Permits Stalled Amid Chaos

What’s Happening
On his first day in office, President Trump paused permits for new wind and solar projects on federal lands. The order also halted lease sales for offshore wind and required a review of all federal wind projects. This freeze affects permits for wetlands and wildlife protections, even on private land. The Army Corps of Engineers and Fish and Wildlife Service have stopped giving clear guidance to developers, leaving projects in limbo.

Key Issues

1. Agency Confusion: The Army Corps won’t confirm if protected wetlands exist at project sites. Fish and Wildlife staff are refusing to answer questions about bird safety near wind turbines.

2. Legal Risks: Developers fear fines if they build without permits. Projects in states like Iowa and Texas, where wind powers half the electricity, face uncertainty.

3. Jobs at Risk: Over 131,000 U.S. jobs depend on wind energy. Delays could hurt workers and slow clean energy growth.

Broader Impact

• States like New York and New Jersey may miss climate goals requiring offshore wind power.

• China is expanding wind energy while U.S. projects stall, risking America’s global competitiveness.

Fact Check

• Claim: Trump’s order stops permits for renewable projects.
  True. The order halts new permits and lease sales for wind projects on federal land and water.

• Claim: Agencies are ignoring developers.
  Mixed. Some Fish and Wildlife staff still answer calls, but others avoid questions.

• Claim: Whale deaths link to offshore wind.
  False. Scientists blame ship strikes and fishing nets, not wind turbines.

Sources

1. NPR (Jan 25, 2025)

2. FactCheck.org (Feb 6, 2025)

3. AP News (Jan 21, 2025)

4. The White House (Jan 20, 2025)

5. NPR affiliate (Jan 26, 2025)

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