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Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration's 2020 Offshore Wind Halt Illegal

7 min read

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

  • Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration's 2020 Offshore Wind Halt Illegal: A federal judge has overturned the Trump administration's 2020 halt on offshore wind farm approvals, deeming it "capricious" and clearing a significant hurdle for stalled projects nationwide, according to The New York Times and Axios. Read More: The New York Times, Axios.
  • Solar and Storage Dominate Q3 2025 Clean Energy Additions: Utility-scale solar and battery storage accounted for 91% of new clean power capacity connected to the grid in Q3 2025, with 11.7 GW total, including a record 4.7 GW of battery storage, as reported by PV Magazine USA. Read More: PV Magazine USA.
  • Maricopa County Approves 400 MWh Battery Storage Project: Supervisors in Maricopa County, Arizona, have greenlit a 100 MW/400 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) proposed by National Renewable Solutions (NRS), a significant development near the site of a 2019 battery fire, according to Energy Storage News. Read More: Energy Storage News.
  • Virginia Democrats Push New Clean Energy Bills: As Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger prepares to take office, Virginia Democrats are reviving key clean energy proposals, including mandates for solar canopies over large parking lots and offshore wind workforce training, signaling a renewed push for renewables in the state, Virginia Mercury reports. Read More: Virginia Mercury.
  • Georgia Kia Plant Installs 10 MW Solar Hail-Protection Canopy: A Kia manufacturing plant in Georgia is installing a 10 MW solar canopy designed to protect new cars from hail, a creative solution following a major 2023 hailstorm, as detailed by Solar Builder. Read More: Solar Builder.

Solar & Storage

The third quarter of 2025 marked a significant acceleration in the deployment of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects across the United States. These two technologies together constituted an impressive 91% of all new clean power capacity connected to the grid, totaling 11.7 GW, according to PV Magazine USA. This surge included 6 GW of new utility-scale solar and a record-breaking 4.7 GW of battery storage. Read More: PV Magazine USA.

The substantial additions have pushed operational battery capacity nationwide past the 40 GW mark. Texas emerged as the leading state for clean power additions during this period, largely due to major storage undertakings like the 359 MW GulfStar Storage project.

Project-specific developments highlight this trend. In Maricopa County, Arizona, supervisors have granted approval for a 100 MW/400 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) proposed by National Renewable Solutions. This project, which addresses local energy needs with a significant leap in storage capacity, is notable for its proximity to the site of a 2019 battery fire, signaling increased confidence in evolving safety measures and technology. Read More: storage system (BESS) proposed by National Renewable Solutions.

Further east, an Indiana utility subsidiary is set to deliver an expansive 3 GW of new dispatchable capacity to support Amazon's expanding data center presence, though this package includes a significant component of fossil fuels alongside energy storage solutions, underscoring ongoing debates about the pace and scope of grid decarbonization. Read More: significant component of fossil fuels.

Solar development saw innovative approaches and continued growth. A Kia manufacturing plant in Georgia is installing a massive 10 MW solar canopy. Beyond generating electricity, this installation will double as hail protection for new cars, a clever adaptation following a damaging hailstorm in 2023. Read More: hail protection for new cars.

In California, Ameresco completed solar installations for the Orange Unified School District, anticipating $6.3 million in savings over 25 years. Financial backing for utility-scale solar also remains strong, with Terra-Gen securing over $383 million in financing for its 205 MW Lockhart III & IV solar project in California, a facility projected to power 94,000 homes, according to Solar Builder. Read More: Solar Builder.

Even professional sports organizations are embracing solar: the Baltimore Ravens plan a 1,000-panel solar array at M&T Bank Stadium, partnering with Lumina Solar to enhance sustainability and combat rising energy costs, according to Solar Power World. Construction for this project is scheduled to begin after the current NFL season concludes, marking a significant step towards greener operations for the team. Read More: Solar Power World.

Wind Energy

A major federal court decision delivered today could significantly reshape the landscape for wind energy development, particularly offshore projects, across the United States. A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration’s 2020 halt on offshore wind farm approvals was illegal, characterizing the decision as "capricious." This ruling sides with environmental groups who challenged the policy and potentially clears the way for accelerated development of offshore wind projects that had been stalled for years. Read More: clears the way for accelerated development.

The decision reverberated through the industry, with outlets like Axios, Wind Power Monthly, and Reuters all reporting on the far-reaching implications. It not only addresses offshore wind but also overturned a prior Trump-era executive order that had blocked the issuance of permits for new land-based wind energy projects, including a significant initiative in Wyoming. Observers believe the ruling protects billions in investments and thousands of jobs related to wind energy, which supplies approximately 10% of U.S. electricity. Read More: Axios, Wind Power Monthly, Reuters.

The court found that the Bureau of Land Management violated environmental laws in its actions, emphasizing the necessity for adherence to established regulatory processes for critical energy infrastructure. This decision could unlock significant federal approvals for wind power projects that have been in limbo since 2020.

Policy & Markets

The federal ruling regarding wind energy permitting sets a precedent for how future administrations approach clean energy development. The judge's decision underscored that policies perceived as undermining renewable energy initiatives face substantial legal challenges, particularly when existing regulations and review processes are sidestepped.

On the state level, Virginia is poised for a renewed push in clean energy policy as Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger prepares to take office. Democrats in the state are reviving key clean energy proposals, including mandates for solar canopies over large parking lots and the establishment of dedicated training programs for the offshore wind workforce. These legislative efforts aim to boost solar energy deployment and ensure a skilled labor pool for Virginia's growing clean energy sector, as reported by the Virginia Mercury. Read More: Virginia Mercury.

While the broader clean energy market shows strong growth, particularly in solar and storage, local resistance to new projects remains a factor. In Blendon Township, Ohio, a proposed battery energy storage project faces a pause. The township has halted its decision-making process as the developer seeks exemptions, highlighting ongoing community concerns that project proponents must address. Read More: developer seeks exemptions.

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Offshore Wind Project Resurgence: Expect a flurry of activity and renewed investment in offshore wind projects previously halted, as developers reassess timelines and seek to move forward following the federal court ruling.
  • Virginia Legislative Session: Keep an eye on the upcoming legislative session in Virginia for the reintroduction and debate of new clean energy bills, particularly those focusing on solar canopies and workforce development.
  • Ohio Battery Storage Decision: Monitor Blendon Township, Ohio, for updates on their decision regarding the proposed battery energy storage project, as the developer's exemption requests proceed through local channels.

TODAY'S QUICK ANSWERS

Q: What percentage of Q3 2025 US clean energy additions came from solar and storage?

A: Utility-scale solar and battery storage accounted for 91% of new clean power capacity connected to the US grid in Q3 2025, totaling 11.7 GW, according to PV Magazine USA. Read More: PV Magazine USA.

Q: What was the significance of the federal court ruling regarding offshore wind?

A: A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's 2020 halt on offshore wind farm approvals was illegal, potentially clearing the way for accelerated development of stalled offshore wind projects, as reported by The New York Times. Read More: The New York Times.