A federal judge has ordered the Department of Defense to immediately resume national security reviews for wind energy projects after the agency halted the approval process under President Donald Trump’s administration, leaving more than 155 onshore wind projects in limbo.
Court Orders Pentagon To Comply With Review Process
Judge Karin Immergut of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon issued a preliminary injunction Thursday, directing the Pentagon to restart its review process for wind turbines exceeding 200 feet in height. The ruling came after renewable energy companies and Democratic attorneys general filed suit against the Trump administration for refusing to conduct the mandatory security assessments.
In her decision, Immergut stated the Defense Department had failed to meet regulatory deadlines for permit reviews. The judge wrote that the agency cannot selectively follow portions of federal law while ignoring others. The preliminary injunction will remain in effect as the legal case continues through the courts.
Energy Projects Stalled Under Trump Administration
The Pentagon stopped conducting routine national security reviews for wind projects during Trump’s second term, creating a bottleneck that has prevented wind farms from moving forward. These reviews, once considered standard procedure, assess whether wind turbines could interfere with military radar systems, flight operations, or other defense activities. Federal law requires the assessments for any wind turbine taller than 200 feet.
Phelps Turner, senior attorney for U.S. clean energy at the Environmental Defense Fund, said the months-long obstruction has prevented wind projects capable of powering millions of homes and businesses from delivering affordable electricity. Turner noted the delays come as both electricity costs and demand continue rising across the nation.
Pentagon Defends Complex Evaluation Process
In a statement to Stateline last month, the Defense Department said it was actively evaluating projects through a complex process designed to balance renewable energy development with protecting military testing, training, and operational readiness. The Pentagon has not yet commented publicly on Thursday’s court ruling. The case highlights ongoing tensions between energy development and national security concerns, particularly regarding wind turbines near military installations and radar facilities. The Trump administration has taken a more cautious approach to renewable energy projects compared to previous administrations, citing potential impacts on military operations and power grid reliability. The preliminary injunction requires the Pentagon to resume processing applications immediately, though the agency may still deny individual projects based on legitimate security concerns.