Trump claims the U.S. will not approve solar or wind energy projects.

Trump stated he would reject wind and photovoltaic projects, delivering another policy headwind to the U.S. renewable energy industry. On August 20, U.S. President Trump posted on a social media platform: “We will not approve wind or solar projects that destroy farmland. America’s era of foolishness is over!” Trump has previously complained that solar projects occupy excessive land; his latest remarks have triggered panic among renewable energy companies, which fear that project permits—once considered routine—may now stall. Earlier this month, the Trump administration tightened federal permitting procedures for renewable energy projects, centralizing final decision-making authority in the hands of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Worsening electricity supply-demand imbalances place comprehensive pressure on renewables The Trump administration’s policy shift comes amid increasingly acute supply-demand imbalances in the U.S. electricity market. PJM Interconnection—the grid serving 13 states across the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and South—is facing tightening electricity supply. Rapidly growing demand from sectors such as data centers, coupled with the retirement of coal-fired power plants and other resources, is further exacerbating these imbalances.

Trump’s renewed assault on the U.S. renewable energy sector! Industry executives warn: it will worsen electricity shortages and drive up power prices.

According to reports, senior executives at U.S. renewable energy firms have warned that President Trump’s criticism of solar and wind energy projects could raise consumer energy prices and undermine an already strained power grid struggling to meet rapidly growing electricity demand. Trump has long claimed wind turbines are unsightly and threaten birds, and that solar installations consume excessive land. Last Wednesday, Trump declared his administration would no longer approve solar and wind projects—the latest salvo against the renewable energy industry since taking office. On social media, he wrote: “We will not approve wind or solar that destroys farmland. America’s foolish days are over!!!” Trump’s statement appears to confirm industry fears that the Department of the Interior will block federal permits for solar and wind projects. Last month, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum assumed control over all permitting authority—a move criticized by the American Clean Power Association as an “obstruction” and “unprecedented political review.” When asked whether new permits would be issued for solar and wind construction, a Department of the Interior spokesperson replied: “We will not favor large, unreliable projects that hold no meaning for the American people—or that may harm communities or the environment.” Executives from renewable developers Arevon, Avantus, and Engie North America said the Interior Department’s permitting blockade would slow the entire solar and wind industry. They noted that even solar and wind projects on private land may require approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service if they affect waterways or wildlife species. According to energy research firm Enverus, these three companies rank among the top ten renewable energy developers in the United States. Kevin Smith, CEO of solar and battery storage developer Arevon, stated that stifling renewables would intensify an imminent electricity supply shortage, damage grid reliability, and raise consumer electricity prices. He added: “I don’t think everyone realizes just how severe the shortage will be. These policy changes are making the shortage problem increasingly difficult to solve.” Uncertainty dampens investment Renewable energy executives say bureaucratic delays at the Department of the Interior—combined with rising costs stemming from Trump’s import tariffs on copper and steel—have created market instability, complicating planning. Cliff Graham, CEO of solar and battery storage developer Avantus, said: “We don’t want to sign contracts until we understand the situation. I can do anything you ask and maintain a viable business—I just need clear, established rules.” David Carroll, Chief Renewable Energy Officer at Engie North America—the U.S. subsidiary of global energy company Engie—said tariff and regulatory uncertainty have prompted Engie to cut its planned U.S. investments by 50%. He added that Engie may further scale back its investment plans. He noted that multinational corporations like Engie have long regarded the United States as one of the world’s most stable business environments—but this assessment is shifting both within Engie’s boardroom and across the broader industry: “The stability of the U.S. business environment is no longer truly the gold standard.”

Trump Offering Solar Projects for Permitting Deal, Senator Says

Sep 23, 2026

Trump officials offer to authorize stalled solar and wind projects amid negotiations on broader energy permitting legislation. The deal aims to accelerate approvals for renewables and oil/gas sectors, though legislative prospects remain uncertain before upcoming midterm elections.

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