The renewable industry accused the Interior Department of obstructing wind and solar projects for political reasons.

The Trump administration is taking new steps to stifle wind and solar energy development, requiring projects to get Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s personal signature to receive necessary permits. An internal memo sent to Interior Department staff on Wednesday said all wind and solar power facilities on Interior Department-controlled land must undergo strict political reviews from

The elevated scrutiny is aligned with President Donald Trump's pledge to undo the clean energy and climate change policies of his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. In a statement, the Interior Department said the additional reviews would apply to rights-of-way,