Team Trump’s attempt to stymie permitting knocked back by Federal judge

The District Judge in the Massachusetts District Court, Denise Casper, ruled that the Trump administration’s actions – and action undertaken by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the US Army Corps of Engineers as a result – were arbitrary and capricious, and enjoined the administration from their ongoing implementation. 

The judge ruled in favour of RENEW Northeast and eight regional industry associations, issuing a preliminary injunction, striking down the need for Secretarial reviews, enhanced procedures or targeted bottlenecks issued by the DOI for wind and solar permits, after President Trump issued his ‘Wind Memo’ and the DOI issued its ‘Wind Order.’

The plaintiffs successfully established that the Trump administration had violated the Administrative Procedure Act and other legislation, and that the administration’s actions posed present and imminent economic harm as a result of the DOI’s new requirements. 

Renewable energy organisations aid the administration’s actions adversely affected more than 57 GW of renewable capacity that was “cancelled or placed at material risk of delay… jeopardizing US$905M in sunk capital investments.”

Responding, Oceantic Network chief executive Liz Burdock said, “This ruling is another decisive affirmation that the current administration’s blanket actions against renewable energy are unlawful — and another major victory for American workers, American businesses, and our energy future.” 

She continued, “Offshore wind continues to demonstrate its critical role in lowering energy costs, strengthening grid reliability, and unlocking billions in new investments in American steelmaking and shipbuilding.

“This decision invalidates another attempt to stall homegrown energy. Offshore wind is ready to build, and ready to deliver reliable, affordable power to millions of American families, but its full benefits are being held back. We commend Renew Northeast and all plaintiffs, including Oceantic members, who stepped forward to defend American businesses, energy consumers, and the integrity of our energy permitting process.”

The latest ruling follows a wave of recent court victories against the administration’s attempts to slow offshore wind. Most recently, five offshore wind projects under stop-work orders issued 22 December 2025 by the DOI have resumed offshore construction activities.

In March 2026, a federal judge denied claims brought by DOI to delay these proceedings. The cases will advance to summary judgment as scheduled. In December, a federal judge vacated the administration’s previous permitting pause, ruling it unlawful.

Oceantic said offshore wind projects in the northeast US “are proving their value, delivering reliable, affordable power based on real-world performance data.” It noted that projects are producing power during winter storms, cold snaps, and peak demand periods, when wholesale electricity prices are highest, and gas supplies are most constrained, saving millions of dollars per day.