Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with a coalition of 18 other attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The lawsuit challenges what they describe as an unlawful attempt to halt wind energy development.
"While Donald Trump continues to spread falsehoods about renewable energy, the truth is that it is reliable, affordable, and supports thousands of jobs here in Michigan," Nessel stated. "This is yet another illegal attempt to unilaterally roll back longstanding federal policy, this time by disrupting the wind energy sector in Michigan and across the country. If Trump's unlawful actions succeed, hardworking Michigan families could face even higher utility bills."
The lawsuit follows a Presidential Memorandum issued on January 20 by President Trump. This memorandum indefinitely halted all federal approvals necessary for offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review. Federal agencies have stopped all permitting and approval activities under this directive, including halting a fully permitted project in New York that had already begun construction.
Wind energy contributes more than 10% of the nation's electricity while supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic activity. The attorneys general argue that President Trump's directive undermines their states' efforts to secure reliable and affordable energy sources, reduce emissions, meet clean energy goals, and address climate change.
The State of Michigan's Public Act 235 aims for a renewable energy standard of 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035. It also sets a clean energy standard of 80% by 2035 and 100% by 2040. Wind energy plays a crucial role in meeting these targets due to its cost-effectiveness and reliability during winter months.
Currently, wind accounts for about 7% of Michigan's electricity supply. Utility companies plan to increase this figure to around 25% by 2035 according to submissions made to the Michigan Public Service Commission. However, the Presidential Memorandum poses challenges that could make achieving these goals more costly for residents.
The coalition claims that the President’s directive violates several federal laws including the Administrative Procedure Act because it lacks reasoned explanation for halting wind development—a reversal from previous policies supporting other forms of energy. They also contend that stopping all permitting breaches numerous statutes dictating procedures for federal approvals.
The attorneys general seek a court declaration deeming the President’s directive illegal and aim to prevent further actions delaying or obstructing wind energy projects.
In addition to Attorney General Nessel, participants in filing this lawsuit include attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.