Trump Administration Hits Brakes on 165 Wind Farms Citing National Security

The Trump administration has brought US onshore wind development to a grinding halt, citing national security concerns in a move that represents a major escalation in the president's crusade against renewable energy. Approvals for about 165 onshore wind projects on private lands are being stalled by the Department of Defense, according to the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and people close to the matter. This includes wind farms that were awaiting final sign-off, others in the middle of negotiations, and some that typically would not require oversight by the department.

The holdup is rooted in a routine approval process that requires wind farms to obtain clearance from the Defense Department to ensure they do not interfere with radar systems. This typically involves assessing the level of risk and the developer paying an agreed sum for the army to update its radar filter system so it can locate the windmill. Some projects can be deemed not to pose a risk due to their distance from army facilities and flight paths.

Normally, these assessments can take as little as a few days to complete. However, in the current environment, the approvals are being stalled, dealing a significant blow to the US wind industry. The development comes as the Trump administration continues to signal its skepticism about climate change and its opposition to renewable energy sources.