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.

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