A federal judge in Massachusetts has blocked several Trump administration actions that slowed clean energy development, including a requirement for personal approval of all solar and wind projects on federal lands by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The preliminary injunction, issued by Chief Judge Denise J Casper, halts policies that clean energy advocates argued would cause irreparable harm and violate federal law.
The ruling came after a coalition of wind and solar developers sued in December, accusing the administration of favouring fossil fuels and intentionally delaying renewable projects. The plaintiffs claimed the actions placed wind and solar into 'second-class status' and aimed to destroy their proposals. Judge Casper found they were likely to succeed on the merits of their claims.
The Interior Department had introduced the enhanced oversight in July, saying it was needed to end preferential treatment for renewables under the Biden administration. An Interior spokesperson declined to comment on the litigation but stated that America sets the global standard for energy production. The Trump administration has prioritised fossil fuels, arguing this lowers costs and supports AI leadership, while critics say it increases reliance on polluting energy.
A law passed by the Republican-controlled Congress last year phases out tax credits for renewables while boosting support for coal, oil and gas. The plaintiffs welcomed the ruling as a step towards affordable energy, stating: 'Clean energy is fast, affordable and here to stay.' Kit Kennedy of the Natural Resources Defense Council urged the administration to stop its 'illegal attacks' on projects that meet rising electricity demand and reduce consumer costs.
