States Challenge Trump’s Order to Block Wind Power

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Attorneys general from 17 states and Washington, D.C.—led by New York and Massachusetts—filed a lawsuit today in federal court challenging the Trump administration’s presidential memorandum that attempted to block new wind energy projects.  
 
Wind provides more than 10 percent of U.S. power, employing 131,000 in all 50 states, including 20,000 in wind manufacturing. The top four wind-producing states are Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Offshore wind power is poised to take off on the East Coast, with three projects already in operation and others under construction. 

The following is a statement from Kit Kennedy, managing director for power at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council): 

“Homegrown American wind power is powering our nation forward, helping meet growing electricity demand, saving consumers money on their bills, and creating thousands of good jobs. The Trump administration’s actions to block wind projects are misguided to their core. They would raise energy bills for consumers and put workers out of a job. And these actions are clearly unlawful. 

“This legal challenge to President Trump’s memorandum on wind is an important milestone. The state attorneys general are stepping up to protect consumers, clean air, jobs, and the economy in their states.” 

For more information see this blog from Nathanael Greene.   

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).