The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a halt to five offshore wind projects, citing "national security" concerns. This decision has prompted scrutiny from Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), which argues that the move is "not legally defensible" and raises significant questions about conflicts of interest involving a senior official's investments in fossil fuels.

Timothy Whitehouse, executive director of PEER, communicated with congressional committees regarding the suspension of projects located off the coasts of Virginia, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. These projects represent billions of dollars in investment, provide employment for thousands, and are capable of supplying sustainable energy to approximately 2.5 million homes and businesses.

Whitehouse described the orders issued by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum as vague and perfunctory, suggesting they were designed to circumvent the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Under the CRA, any rule that significantly impacts the economy or competition is classified as a "major rule" and cannot take effect without prior notification to Congress. Whitehouse contended that the suspension likely meets the criteria for a major rule, which would require a 60-day waiting period before implementation.

He further stated that Burgum's actions appear to bypass necessary congressional and public input. The CRA defines a rule as an agency statement designed to implement or interpret law or policy. Whitehouse noted that the press statements from the Department of the Interior and Burgum were indicative of a coordinated effort to promote a specific policy agenda, particularly in relation to fossil fuel interests.

The timing of Burgum's announcement, which was made shortly before a Fox News segment, raised additional concerns about the motivations behind the decision. Whitehouse warned that if such actions are permitted to continue, future administrations could exploit national security claims to undermine renewable energy initiatives for political gain.

PEER also highlighted potential conflicts of interest involving Matthew Giacona, acting Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), who has reported financial interests in natural gas investments. This situation raises ethical questions about the integrity of decisions made regarding energy policy and the prioritization of fossil fuel interests over renewable energy development.

Whitehouse concluded that the actions taken by Burgum and the Department of the Interior reflect a troubling trend of aligning government policy with the interests of the fossil fuel industry, potentially undermining the collective national interest in sustainable energy development.