CA, US & World
Pentagon Slow-Walks 165 Wind Projects Citing National Security Concerns
The Trump administration is doubling down on efforts to delay the expansion of wind energy, moving its focus from offshore projects to land-based developments. According to the American Clean Power Association (ACP), the leading trade group for renewable energy, the Pentagon is currently slow-walking the reviews of at least 165 wind projects on private land, citing national security risks to military readiness.
Historically, the Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have reviewed large-scale wind projects to ensure that massive turbines do not interfere with radar systems or established flight paths. While these reviews were once considered routine and resolved quickly, standard processing times have expanded significantly since August 2025.
30 Gigawatts in Limbo
The administrative bottleneck is holding up a massive amount of potential energy. The ACP reports that the stalled projects represent approximately 30 gigawatts of power—enough to supply electricity to millions of American households.
ACP CEO Jason Grumet stated that the administration is "abusing the current permitting system." In a letter to the Pentagon, the association noted that some individual project reviews have now stretched beyond six months without resolution.
"It’s incoherent to pursue while actively blockading domestic energy production that will help meet our growing energy needs," Grumet said.
Pentagon Cites Radar and Testing Risks
In response to the outcry, a spokesperson for the Pentagon stated that the agency is "actively evaluating" the projects to ensure they do not impair military operations. In a letter reviewed by investigators, a Pentagon official clarified that wind turbines and their associated transmission infrastructure have the "inherent potential" to adversely impact military testing and training.
This move is part of a broader trend of resistance against wind power. Late last year, the administration issued stop-work orders for major offshore wind projects, though those were later overturned by federal courts. Additionally, the government has settled deals with three offshore developers, paying nearly 2 billion dollars in taxpayer funds to cancel nascent projects.
Choke Points for Onshore Development
While offshore wind is easier for the federal government to block because it occurs in federal waters, land-based wind usually sits on private property. However, even these projects require federal permits to cross the finish line, creating a "choke point" for the industry.
Energy consultants warn that even projects nearing completion are at risk. If a final permit is pending with the administration, developers may be forced to walk away from their investments. Recently, a federal judge ruled against the Department of the Interior for similar attempts to slow down solar and wind reviews, but it remains unclear if that ruling will apply to the Pentagon’s specific national security claims.
Success Amidst the Gridlock
Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, some massive projects are still breaking through. The 3.5-gigawatt SunZia wind project in New Mexico recently began operations. After decades of planning and delays, it is now transmitting power to California via a 550-mile transmission line.
Experts note that despite the current administration's preference for fossil fuels, wind, solar, and battery storage continue to represent the vast majority of new energy being connected to the U.S. power grid. Solar and long-duration storage, in particular, are expected to see continued growth despite the shifting political landscape.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: CNN Newsource
May 7, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
So, Madonna in the Dance Tent… were you expecting that? And who else on this lineup has your attention? 👀 #Coachella2027 #Coachella #Indio #coachellavalley
Who has the BEST cell service in the Coachella Valley? 👀 Which carrier do YOU use, and how’s your service?👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #fyp #nbcpalmsprings
Breakfast for just $1 while helping local families this holiday season! Starting Thursday, Spencer’s Restaurant in Palm Springs is offering ANY breakfast menu item for just $1, with proceeds benefiting DAP Health’s Winter Fest. The annual effort provides food, blankets and toys to families in need across the eastern Coachella Valley. Want to give a little more? The restaurant’s owner will match additional donations up to $10,000! The deal runs from 7:30–10 a.m. through November 22. Reservations are required through OpenTable. Would you take advantage of a $1 breakfast to support a great local cause? #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #DAPHealth #SpencersRestaurant #WinterFest #SupportLocal
☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Are you a veteran?
Firefighters, furry friends and a great cause! Palm Springs Life magazine has teamed up with the Palm Springs Fire Department and Animal Samaritans for a new charity calendar featuring local firefighters and adorable adoptable animals. Calendars are $20, with a portion of sales benefiting the Animal Samaritans Rescue Fund and the restoration of El Diablo, a historic 1931 American fire engine. It's a great way to support two local organizations while bringing a little extra cuteness to your wall! #PalmSprings #AnimalSamaritans #PalmSpringsFireDepartment #AdoptDontShop #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
Overriding the jury, the voters, and the families? This decision is sparking major outrage across the state. What’s your take? #therogginreport #news #trendingnews #fyp #nbcpalmsprings
The FAGE WTA Finals are bringing some of the world’s top women tennis players to the Coachella Valley — but the impact goes far beyond the court. From hotels and restaurants to local tourism and small businesses, just how much of an economic boost is this tournament bringing to the desert? @maria_nvtv is a closer look at what this international sporting event could mean for our local economy. #WTATennis #WTFinals #CoachellaValley #LocalEconomy #PalmSprings
Palm Springs Pride's theme this year was “BE INCLUDED.” So why was Code Pink told it couldn't march? For the second year in a row, the anti-war and feminist group was denied a place in the Pride Parade. Organizers say the group's message doesn't directly support the LGBTQ+ community and point to concerns raised by community members. Code Pink says its members include LGBTQ+ people and argues that exclusion goes against the spirit of Pride. After the parade ended, the group took to the route anyway. Was this a matter of protecting the purpose of Pride — or a contradiction of its message of inclusion? Where do you stand? #PalmSpringsPride #CodePink #LGBTQ #FreeSpeech #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs Pride is celebrating 40 years of community and inclusion this year. And while hundreds of thousands of people painted the town rainbow, others took the occasion to protest against the exclusion of one group from the parade. Tune in to our on air newscasts at 8:30 and 11 p.m as our @newsbyalondra takes us inside the festivities and protest that took place this year.
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) John Moreno Jr. with the TFL 2) Kingston Pellum with the snag or, 3)Parker Lewis with the interception #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball