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New Trump Orders Stun Energy Industry

The Trump administration has temporarily halted approvals for new renewable energy projects on public lands and waters.

On Monday, the Interior Department quietly issued an order preventing activities that support renewable energy development on federally-owned lands or offshore areas. For the next 60 days, the government will not grant leases, rights of way, contracts, or any other agreements necessary for renewable energy projects to move forward.

This directive was signed by acting Interior Secretary Walter Cruickshank, who is leading the department until President Trump’s nominee, Doug Burgum, is confirmed by the Senate. The order states that its purpose is to implement “a targeted and time-limited elevation of relevant decisions at the Department of the Interior … for the purpose of reviewing the questions in fact, law, and policy they raise.”

The pause coincides with Trump’s broader criticism of wind energy, including an executive order specifically targeting new wind energy approvals. However, this directive represents a broader escalation by also pausing solar energy projects.

While Trump has expressed skepticism toward renewable energy, particularly wind, he has emphasized the need for more energy production overall. On Monday, he issued an emergency declaration underscoring this need and is expected to continue promoting fossil fuels, particularly oil and gas, as part of his energy agenda.


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