Attorney General Kris Mayes has taken legal action against the Trump Administration, challenging its decision to halt wind energy development. She is joined by a coalition of 18 attorneys general in this lawsuit.
Mayes criticized the administration's move, stating, “Halting the development of wind energy is not just bad policy—it’s illegal.” She emphasized that wind energy projects on Arizona's State Trust lands generate vital revenue for public schools and other beneficiaries. According to Mayes, the freeze jeopardizes economic and environmental progress in Arizona. "I'm suing because Arizonans deserve a cleaner, more affordable, and more secure energy future,” she added.
The lawsuit follows a Presidential Memorandum issued by President Trump on January 20, which indefinitely suspended federal approvals required for both offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review. This directive led to a complete stop in permitting and approval activities by federal agencies, including halting a fully permitted project already under construction.
The coalition argues that this directive undermines states' efforts to secure reliable and diverse energy sources necessary for meeting electricity demands while reducing emissions and addressing climate change. They contend it disrupts significant state investments in wind industry infrastructure and workforce development.
According to the attorneys general, the directive violates the Administrative Procedure Act and other federal laws due to its lack of explanation for stopping all wind energy development—a reversal from previous federal policies supporting other forms of energy. The lawsuit claims that this abrupt halt disregards federal statutes requiring specific procedures and timelines for permitting processes.
The coalition seeks a court declaration deeming the President’s directive illegal, aiming to prevent any further delays or obstacles to wind energy development.
Joining Attorney General Mayes are her counterparts from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.