Interior Department announces policy changes to end “preferential treatment” for wind energy, citing concerns over reliability and environmental impact.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced a series of significant policy changes aimed at re-aligning the nation’s energy strategy with President Donald J. Trump’s “commonsense approach to affordable, reliable energy development in America.”
The new directives signal a substantial shift away from the previous administration’s emphasis on renewable energy, particularly wind power.
According to Secretary Burgum, the Department of the Interior will end special treatment for “unreliable energy sources” such as wind. This includes a review of onshore wind development on federal lands and the halting of future offshore wind lease sales. The Department will also launch a study into the potential impacts of wind turbine construction and operation on migratory bird populations.
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“These policy changes represent a commonsense approach to energy that puts Americans’ interests first,” said Secretary Burgum. “Leveling the playing field in permitting supports energy development that’s reliable, affordable, and built to last. We’re also making sure tribes and local communities have a real seat at the table. This move is about responsible energy growth that works for every American.”
Key Policy Measures Announced:
Stopping Preferential Treatment for Wind Projects: Secretary’s Order No. 3437, “Ending Preferential Treatment for Unreliable, Foreign-Controlled Energy Sources in Department Decision-Making,” directs the Department to identify and remove policies biased in favor of wind and solar energy. This order aligns with a January 20, 2025, Presidential Memorandum on Wind Energy, calling for a report on recommended reforms.
Restoring Congress’s Mandate for Balanced Land Use: The Department will consider withdrawing areas onshore with high potential for wind energy development to ensure compliance with legal requirements for multiple use and sustained yield of public lands. This aims to balance energy development with other uses like recreation and grazing. Additionally, the administration will terminate over 3.5 million acres offshore previously designated as Wind Energy Areas, citing a need to safeguard coastal environments and local economies from “unchecked development.”
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Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement for Offshore Wind Development: New guidance will strengthen consultation with tribes, the fishing industry, and coastal towns regarding offshore wind projects. The Department acknowledges disproportionate impacts on these stakeholders, from disrupting commercial fishing to affecting tourism, and seeks to support greater collaboration, transparency, and respect for community priorities.
Reviewing Environmental Consequences on Migratory Birds: The Department will conduct a thorough review of avian mortality rates associated with wind energy projects located in migratory flight paths. This review will determine if such impacts qualify as “incidental takings” under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and related laws, and will examine applicable regulations, violations, and penalties.
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These policy adjustments are part of a broader “America First” energy strategy that prioritizes affordability, reliability, and accountability for the American people. The administration emphasized its commitment to supporting a stable power grid and empowering local voices in energy development decisions.
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