Ruling repeals Trump moratorium on wind energy projects

Judge calls executive order arbitrary and unlawful. California, part of group that challenged ban, plans to forge ahead despite federal funding cuts.

- BY HAYLEY SMITH

THE BAN had paused offshore wind projects. Above, a turbine off Rhode Island.

(STEVE PFOST Newsday RM)

A federal judge struck down the Trump administration's ban on federal permits for wind energy projects in what supporters said was an important victory for the embattled industry.

President Trump issued the ban on his first day back in office through an executive order that called for the temporary withdrawal of nearly all federal land and waters from new or renewed wind-energy leasing. The president said such leases "may lead to grave harm" including negative effects on national security, transportation and commercial interests, among other justifications.

U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris of the District of Massachusetts ruled Monday that the ban is "arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law," and that the concern about "grave harm" was insufficient to justify the immense scope of a moratorium on all wind energy.

The challenge was brought by attorneys general in 17 states, including California, and Washington, D.C.

In it, they argued that halting federal wind permits created an "existential threat" to the wind industry that could erase billions of dollars in investments and tens of thousands of jobs.