New Measures on Wind and Solar Projects Announced by DOI

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced on Thursday that it will implement “enhanced surveillance” over decisions related to new wind and solar projects. This is aimed at addressing what they called “favors” to these “unreliable” and “subsidy-dependent” energy systems set forth by the previous administration.

The new directive revises the review process for decisions that require senior leadership within the department, including final reviews on matters such as leases, road rights, construction plans, grants, and biological opinions.

Adam Seuss, the acting vice-secretary of Land and Mineral Management, stated, “Today’s actions will further fulfill President Trump’s promise to tackle Green’s new fraud and protect U.S. taxpayer dollars.” He emphasized that the control over America’s energy should be rooted in domestic production of reliable energy rather than in regulatory preferences for projects that rely heavily on taxpayer subsidies and foreign-made equipment.

According to sources familiar with the new directive, the DOI is particularly concerned that the Biden administration has prioritized new wind and solar projects. The Trump administration argued that by removing “artificial benefits,” they are working to “level the playing field” for energy sources that are “dispatchable, cost-effective, and safe.”

The press release also mentioned that these actions represent a return to national security, grid stability, and sensible permitting standards, which would aid in job creation across the U.S.

This initiative is tied to an executive order signed by President Trump earlier this month. It aims to enforce specific provisions from recent legislation that addresses market distortions caused by subsidies for unreliable, foreign-controlled energy sources.

Notably, the directive calls for the elimination of discounts on road and capacity charges for both existing and upcoming wind and solar projects.

Trump’s executive order criticized the federal government’s financial support for costly, unreliable energy sources, suggesting this undermines the broader energy landscape. He elaborated that an over-reliance on “green” subsidies could pose a threat to national security by tying the U.S. to foreign supply chains and urged a focus on taxpayer funds for energy control, national security, and fiscal health.