LANSING, Mich. — Michigan has joined 17 other states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a federal directive halting the approval of wind energy projects. The action comes after President Trump issued a memorandum in January that stopped the federal government from approving projects that would otherwise require federal review.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is spearheading the state’s legal challenge, arguing that the memorandum has led to delays and the suspension of wind energy initiatives, even those already under construction. Nessel asserts that the federal government’s actions are not only counterproductive but also harmful to Michigan’s renewable energy goals.
“While Donald Trump continues to spread falsehoods about renewable energy, the truth is that it is reliable, affordable, and supports thousands of jobs here in Michigan,” Nessel said in a statement. The lawsuit claims that the Trump administration’s directive undermines efforts by the states to ensure reliable sources of energy, reduce emissions, and meet electricity demand. The attorneys general representing the states also argue that the directive threatens billions of dollars in investments made in wind energy infrastructure.
Currently, wind energy accounts for 7% of Michigan’s electricity, with state utility companies planning to increase that figure to 25% by 2035. However, according to Nessel, the administration’s halt has made these projects more costly and delayed critical infrastructure changes.
The legal complaint also alleges that the Trump administration’s directive violates the Administrative Procedure Act, as it was implemented without proper explanation or justification. The lawsuit further contends that the sudden shift in policy is inconsistent with other federal directives aimed at promoting the development of alternative energy sources.
The states involved in the lawsuit argue that the memorandum undermines their ability to make progress on their clean energy initiatives, stalling important investments that support economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. With Michigan positioned to play a key role in the nation’s wind energy sector, the state’s legal challenge aims to restore momentum to its renewable energy projects and secure its place in a future powered by clean, sustainable energy.
As the legal battle unfolds, the conflict underscores a larger debate over the federal government’s role in shaping the future of renewable energy in the U.S. With states pushing for cleaner energy solutions, the outcome of this lawsuit could have wide-reaching implications for both the energy industry and the environment.
