On December 9, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris ruled against an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump that suspended approvals for wind power projects on federal lands and waters. The judge characterized the order as 'arbitrary and capricious,' violating the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires a reasoned explanation for such decisions.

Judge Saris, appointed by President Bill Clinton, pointed out that the U.S. Department of the Interior failed to provide a sufficient rationale for ceasing the approval of wind projects, noting that the only consideration was the president's directive. This executive order, issued on Trump's first day back in office in January 2025, halted numerous planned wind farms in states including Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, which were working to advance their renewable energy initiatives.

Currently, only one offshore wind farm has been completed, with five others under construction in U.S. coastal waters. The executive order significantly impeded the permitting process for additional projects, leading to the cancellation of some planned developments. It also affected wind farms on federal land, notably halting the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho, which had received approval from the Biden administration.

The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by seventeen states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who argued that the ban posed a significant threat to the wind industry. James emphasized the importance of wind energy in addressing the climate crisis and providing a clean, reliable, and affordable energy source.

While the court's decision lifts the suspension, it does not guarantee immediate approval for any wind projects. The relevant agencies may still delay leasing and licensing processes, potentially leading to further legal action from states and project developers. The uncertainty created by the previous administration's actions raises concerns about the future of renewable energy initiatives in the U.S., particularly as many northeastern states rely on offshore wind development to meet energy demands and reduce carbon emissions.