New York Attorney General Letitia James has initiated a legal challenge against the Trump administration's decision to halt new wind energy development across the United States. The lawsuit, supported by attorneys general from 17 other states, seeks to overturn a presidential directive issued on January 20, 2025, which suspended federal approvals for wind energy projects.
Attorney General James criticized the directive as "devastating" to clean energy and job growth. She argued that it poses a threat to thousands of jobs and billions in investments while delaying the transition away from fossil fuels.
The coalition contends that the president's directive contradicts previous bipartisan support for wind energy and conflicts with Executive Orders issued on the same day. These orders declared a "national energy emergency" but excluded wind energy from expanded domestic production efforts.
The attorneys general argue that this suspension harms states' ability to provide reliable electricity and meet climate goals. New York’s current wind projects support over 4,400 jobs and are expected to create more than 18,000 additional jobs. The blockade could jeopardize these economic benefits and investments.
The lawsuit highlights how the blockade impedes efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve renewable energy targets. New York aims for 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and full reliance by 2040.
Attorney General James emphasized that the halt delays replacing fossil fuels with clean energy, worsening climate impacts. The coalition argues that President Trump lacks legal authority for such unilateral action and seeks court intervention to resume wind project approvals.
Joining New York in this legal action are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and the District of Columbia.