Attorney General Kris Mayes (D-AZ) has secured a court order blocking the Trump Administration's freeze on wind energy permits.
On January 20, President Donald Trump issued a directive pausing all federal permits for wind energy projects indefinitely pending a government review. Federal agencies subsequently halted approval processes, including stopping work on a fully permitted project.
Wind power currently employs hundreds of thousands of workers, contributes billions to the economy and tax base, and accounts for more than 10% of U.S. electricity generation.
In May, a coalition of 18 attorneys general, including Mayes, filed a lawsuit challenging the administration's pause on wind energy development.
"Trump's illegal wind order would have driven up energy costs on Arizonans already struggling with high utility bills," said Attorney General Mayes.
The lawsuit alleged the directive violated federal laws governing permitting procedures and timelines. The attorneys general requested that the court declare the directive unlawful and prevent the administration from blocking wind projects.
Continued Pursuit
Mayes stated the administration's action undermines Arizona's progress and threatens economic and environmental interests. The coalition filed suit seeking what they characterized as a "cleaner, more affordable, and more secure energy future."
"In Arizona, wind energy projects on State Trust lands also generate critical revenue that supports our public schools. The Trump administration's illegal freeze of these programs would have harmed Arizona…," Mayes said.
Judge Patti Saris ruled that Arizona and other states had legal standing to sue, finding that delays from the order would reduce state tax revenue, interfere with states' climate change mitigation plans, and increase energy costs.
Judge Saris ruled against the order, finding it "both arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law," and vacated it in its entirety.
