Trump Admin Shakes Up Biggest Solar Boondoggle In North America

The Department of the Interior (DOI) designated a massive solar project in Nevada as “cancelled” on Thursday, according to the agency’s website, though a spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation that applicants can now “submit individual project proposals.”

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) updated details on its website regarding the Esmeralda Seven Solar Project, designating it as “cancelled” on Thursday. The Biden administration advanced the project, which was set to be the largest solar development in North America, according to multiple reports.

“During routine discussions prior to the lapse in appropriations, the proponents and BLM agreed to change their approach for the Esmeralda 7 Solar Project in Nevada,” a DOI spokesperson told the DCNF. “Instead of pursuing a programmatic level environmental analysis, the applicants will now have the option to submit individual project proposals to the BLM to more effectively analyze potential impacts.” (RELATED: Over $2 Billion California Solar Plant Built To Last, Now Closing Over Inefficiency)

In an aerial view, the Kayenta Solar Plant is seen on June 23, 2024 in Kayenta, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Bell via Getty Images)

The DOI announced in July that it would complete reviews of solar and wind projects, noting that it would end preferential treatment for the energy technology it deemed to be “unreliable” and “foreign-controlled.”

“Today’s actions further deliver on President Trump’s promise to tackle the Green New Scam and protect the American taxpayers’ dollars,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Lands and Minerals Management Adam Suess on July 17. “American Energy Dominance is driven by U.S.-based production of reliable baseload energy, not regulatory favoritism towards unreliable energy projects that are solely dependent on taxpayer subsidies and foreign-sourced equipment.”

The Trump administration has favored conventional energy sources like coal, while the Biden administration pushed for intermittent green energy sources like offshore wind and solar through billions in subsidies, grants and loans. The DOI and other agencies have cancelled grants for green energy projects and issued a work-stop order on a massive offshore wind farm, though a federal Reagan-appointed judge allowed it to continue on Sept. 22.

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