Despite the startup, Trump’s support for fossil fuels and doubts about clean energy are still making things unclear for developers.
The resumption follows a period of uncertainty for renewable energy developers, as the current administration emphasizes a balanced energy strategy. A DOI spokesperson stated: “The DOI supports a sustainable and responsible all-of-the-above energy approach, which includes oil and gas, coal, geothermal, solar and strategic minerals – all of which may be developed on public lands and subject to free markets.” This approach ensures that renewable energy projects are considered alongside other energy sources without preferential treatment.
A January 20 secretarial order directs that energy development policies on federal lands maintain neutrality between renewable and hydrocarbon projects. Additionally, a presidential memorandum has paused onshore and offshore wind development on public lands pending a thorough review of federal wind leasing and permitting practices. These measures aim to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of energy policies.
The broader context for renewable energy development remains complex. The Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enacted previously, provided financial support for clean energy projects. However, a 90-day spending review has temporarily halted disbursements, including key tax credits, creating uncertainty for ongoing initiatives. Despite these challenges, the DOI’s resumption of permitting signals continued opportunities for renewable energy projects on federal lands.
Nevada, where the BLM manages 80% of the land, stands to benefit significantly from renewable energy development. Prior efforts, such as the September approval of the Greenlink West line, aimed to enable 4GW of new solar capacity. The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that federal lands could support 51 to 84GW of renewable energy capacity by 2035, with 30GW already permitted, assuming sustained policy support.
The DOI’s renewed focus on processing applications reflects a commitment to advancing energy projects while balancing diverse energy needs. Developers are navigating this evolving landscape, with approved projects like the Sapphire solar-storage initiative demonstrating progress in expanding clean energy infrastructure on federal lands.
