American solar firms call on Congress to deal with Trump's freeze on solar permits

On December 4, a coalition of U.S. solar companies appealed to federal lawmakers to overturn a policy from the Trump administration that has put a halt on numerous project permits. The request was submitted in a letter addressed to congressional leaders on Thursday.

Significance of the Appeal

The letter underscores growing concerns among solar project developers regarding the heightened scrutiny of permit approvals by the Interior Department during a period of increasing energy demand. Companies emphasized that uncertainty around permitting threatens continued investment in critical energy infrastructure.

"Businesses require certainty to keep investing in the United States and to develop essential energy projects," the letter stated, directed to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The companies described the Interior Department's actions as effectively imposing a near-total halt on solar permitting.

Policy Background

A memorandum issued in July by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum mandates his personal approval for a wide range of solar permits. This policy affects projects on federal land as well as private lands that involve federal resources or consultation. The move is part of broader efforts by the administration to limit wind and solar energy, which it has criticized as costly, unreliable, and overly subsidized.

Impact and Scope

The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates that over 500 solar projects face potential delays or cancellations due to the permitting freeze. The appeal to Congress was supported by 143 companies, including developers, installers, manufacturers, and power providers. The Interior Department has not provided a comment on the letter.

Author: Ava Mitchell