Stalled federal action on onshore wind projects is emerging as a new potential sticking point among clean power advocates and Democrats pushing for energy permitting legislation.
At issue is the prompt Department of Defense sign-off on mitigation measures related to the security of the projects, particularly ones near military installations. The American Clean Power Association is now trying to make the issue a litmus test for revived permitting reform negotiations on Capitol Hill.
“We think this is table stakes,” said ACP CEO Jason Grumet. “Some thawing of opposition to solar and storage is encouraging, but it’s just kind of a general sense. There’s no policy you can point to.”
The Trump administration has repeatedly targeted permitting decisions on renewable energy, while promoting fossil fuels and nuclear power. President Donald Trump, in particular, has directed his ire at wind power and has promised “no windmills built in the United States” during his presidency.
