Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The lawsuit challenges an attempt to freeze wind energy development, which Attorney General Ellison argues is crucial for Minnesota's economy and environmental goals.
"We cannot leave our grandchildren and their children a planet that has been devastated by climate change, and we cannot abandon the economic opportunity that wind energy provides to our state," stated Attorney General Ellison. He emphasized that wind energy supports jobs and offers clean energy, contributing significantly to Minnesota's power supply.
Wind energy accounts for one-quarter of all electricity generated in Minnesota and three-quarters of its renewable energy. The state's law mandates utilities to provide carbon-free electricity by 2040, with Minnesota ranking eighth nationally in wind capacity as of 2023.
On January 20, President Trump issued a memorandum halting federal approvals for offshore and onshore wind projects pending review. This directive has led federal agencies to cease permitting activities, even stopping an ongoing project in New York.
The attorneys general argue that this action harms states' efforts to secure reliable and affordable energy while meeting clean energy goals. They claim the directive violates the Administrative Procedure Act by reversing longstanding policy without explanation.
The coalition seeks a court declaration deeming the President's directive illegal, aiming to prevent further delays in wind energy development. Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington have joined the lawsuit alongside Attorney General Ellison.