Trump admin moves to curb ‘environmentally damaging’ green energy projects

The Department of the Interior (DOI) moved to deal another blow to the green energy industry Friday, announcing that it will consider energy projects’ capacity density and the environmental impacts before permitting them, singling out wind and solar.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum signed an order Friday directing the agency to prioritize energy projects it deems efficient and low in environmental impact, zeroing in on wind and solar as “holding America back” from achieving energy dominance.  The decision comes just days after the agency ended what it called “preferential treatment” for unreliable, foreign-controlled energy sources previously favored under the Biden administration.

“Gargantuan, unreliable, intermittent energy projects hold America back from achieving U.S. Energy Dominance while weighing heavily on the American taxpayer and environment,” Burgum said. “By considering energy generation optimization, the Department will be able to better manage our federal lands, minimize environmental impact, and maximize energy development to further President Donald Trump’s energy goals. This commonsense order ensures our nation is stronger, our land use is optimized, and the American people are properly informed.”

By considering energy generation optimization, @Interior will be able to better manage our federal lands, minimize environmental impact, and maximize energy development to further @POTUS’ energy goals. https://t.co/TLBT3KiNKT

— Secretary Doug Burgum (@SecretaryBurgum) August 1, 2025

The order, titled “Managing Federal Energy Resources and Protecting the Environment,” states that wind and solar projects count as a “highly inefficient” use of federal lands, arguing that the energy technologies do not produce as much energy when compared to other sources like coal, gas or nuclear.

Former President Joe Biden enacted a major push for green energy projects including wind and solar and cracked downon conventional power sources like coal with stringent regulations. President Donald Trump campaigned against what he dubbed the “green new scam” and his administration has moved to end several Biden-era green energy initiatives and policies in the name of strengthening America’s electricity grid.

The DOI did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

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