This July, the Department of Interior announced it will require “elevated review” for solar and wind projects on public land by Trump-appointee Secretary Doug Burgum. Projects seeking leases, rights-of-way, construction and operation plans, grants, consultations and biological opinions are now subject to approval by Burgum.
Kabir Green, director of federal affairs for nature at the Natural Resources Defense Council said the move imposes unprecedented scrutiny and bureaucratic roadblocks that could indefinity delay or delay clean energy projects on public lands.
“It is not about oversight, but about unfettered obstruction of wind and solar projects that create jobs, cut pollution, lower costs and strengthen communities. This policy protects select industry profits, not the public interest,” said Green.
The Esmeralda 7 project is comprised of seven projects developed by NextEra Energy Resources, Leeward Renewable Energy, Arevia Power and Invenergy. The projects would cover about 185 square miles of land, a land area close to the size of Las Vegas.
BLM’s cancellation of Esmeralda 7 moves in lockstep with President Trump’s message on Truth social late August: “We will not approve wind or farmer destroying Solar.” RESIST!
on October 11, 2025, 9:53 pm
