A federal judge vacates Trump Administration actions halting wind project permitting, clearing the way for onshore and offshore approvals to resume.

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News

LAS CRUCES - New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and a coalition of 18 attorneys general have won a federal court ruling that blocks the Trump Administration from freezing all federal wind energy permitting. The decision immediately restores federal approvals for both onshore and offshore wind projects.

The coalition challenged the Administration’s decision in May, arguing the freeze threatened states’ plans to expand renewable energy, cut emissions and meet growing electricity demand. The lawsuit also said the halt risked undermining billions of dollars in planned wind infrastructure, supply chain development and workforce investment.

In this week’s decision, a federal judge in the District of Massachusetts vacated the federal actions, ruling they were arbitrary, capricious and contrary to federal law.

Torrez said the ruling protects New Mexico’s ability to keep growing its renewable energy economy.

“I’m pleased the court reaffirmed the importance of protecting the wind and solar energy that New Mexico produces in abundance — power that supports our economy and creates critical jobs across the state,” Torrez said in a statement. “The Trump Administration’s attempt to halt further progress nationwide would have been a crippling financial decision.”

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed to Organ Mountain News that the ruling applies to both offshore and onshore wind permitting. It also immediately allows federal agencies to resume reviewing and issuing required approvals.

State officials did not identify any specific New Mexico wind projects that were paused by the freeze, but noted that the ruling provides greater long-term certainty for industry growth across the state.

The coalition included attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington.

Copies of the judge’s opinion and the original lawsuit were attached to the release.

NY v. Trump Complaint by DamienWillis

Wind Opinion by DamienWillis

Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.