Renewable energy groups sue Pentagon over stalled wind farm reviews
7 reported
A coalition of renewable energy groups has filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in U.S. District Court in Oregon, alleging that national security reviews for new onshore wind farms on private land have been effectively frozen for months. The groups, including Renewable Northwest and the Advanced Power Alliance, claim the delays jeopardize $47 billion in investments and thousands of jobs across 21 states. The Pentagon says it must balance new energy sources against military needs and that its siting clearinghouse is actively evaluating projects, though the process is complex. The plaintiffs filed a motion late Thursday asking the court to order the Pentagon to resume its ordinary review process. The American Clean Power Association first raised the issue in a March letter to the Pentagon. The lawsuit states that the Pentagon stopped countersigning final agreements starting in August 2025 and all stages of review stopped in April 2026. The first quarter of 2026 was the slowest start for new land-based wind installations since 2018.
What’s reported
The lawsuit was filed by nine groups, including Renewable Northwest and the Advanced Power Alliance, against the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in U.S. District Court in Oregon.
The groups allege the Pentagon stopped countersigning final agreements starting in August 2025 and progressively slowed the review process until all stages stopped in April 2026.
An economic analysis by Charles River Associates Inc. estimates the affected projects represent more than $47 billion in investments.
At least 106 wind projects are impacted by the delays, spanning 21 states including Texas, Kansas and Illinois.
The analysis estimates the affected projects support more than 120,000 jobs, including about 29,000 direct construction jobs.
The American Clean Power Association first raised the issue in a March letter to the Pentagon.
The Pentagon said it does not comment on open litigation when asked about the economic benefits at risk.
Key figures
Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary
Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association
Renewable Northwest (group)
Advanced Power Alliance (group)
Charles River Associates Inc. (consulting firm)
Sources: abcnews.com
