Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a coalition of 18 attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal action challenges what they describe as an unlawful attempt to halt the development of wind energy.
Wind energy is recognized for its role in providing reliable and affordable power, supporting jobs, and contributing significantly to economic activity and tax revenues. It currently supplies over 10% of the United States' electricity.
"Wind energy is a key component in Illinois’ transition to a renewable energy future," Raoul stated. "The decision by the Trump administration to effectively halt all wind energy development is illegal and baseless, and I will continue to join with my fellow attorneys general to push back against the president’s unlawful actions."
On January 20, President Trump issued a memorandum that indefinitely stopped federal approvals needed for offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review. This directive led federal agencies to cease all permitting activities, even halting a fully permitted project in New York that had begun construction.
Raoul and his colleagues argue that this directive undermines state efforts to secure diverse and affordable energy sources, reduce emissions, meet clean energy goals, and address climate change. They also claim it jeopardizes significant investments in wind industry infrastructure and workforce development.
Illinois ranks among the top states for producing renewable wind energy, with further developments planned. The coalition contends that the president's directive violates the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to provide reasoned explanations for stopping wind energy development abruptly.
The lawsuit asserts that halting permits breaches federal statutes requiring specific procedures and timelines for approvals. Raoul and his peers seek a court declaration deeming the president's directive illegal, aiming to prevent any further delays or obstructions in wind energy development.
Joining Raoul are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.