On July 17, 2026, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, co-led a coalition of 19 attorneys general in moving to intervene in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Secretary Pete Hegseth for unlawfully freezing routine reviews of land-based wind energy projects across the country.  

Under federal law, DoD reviews proposed wind energy projects for potential impacts on military operations and national security. After more than a decade of following a consistent review process, DoD abruptly halted mitigation agreements and final approvals in August 2025, freezing wind projects nationwide—including those that had already completed negotiations and were awaiting only final approval.  

The coalition argued that the administration’s actions unlawfully disrupted the congressionally mandated review process, jeopardizing billions of dollars in clean energy investments, thousands of jobs, and states’ efforts to expand access to reliable, affordable energy. The coalition argued that DoD’s freeze is unlawful, arbitrary and capricious, and violates the Administrative Procedure Act. DoD has not provided a reasonable explanation for its sudden change in policy that would account for the harm to states, developers, workers, and ratepayers and consider the major investments made in reliance on its longstanding review process. Further, the coalition also argued that DoD’s refusal to act has caused unreasonable delay and undermined Congress’ directive that DoD balance national security concerns with the responsible development of renewable energy. The coalition asked the court to require the agency to resume reviewing and approving land-based wind projects. 

This administration’s war on wind is driving up costs and threatening jobs for hardworking Americans. New Yorkers should not have to pay the price for the president’s personal vendetta against wind power. As demand for energy continues to skyrocket, these wind projects have become more important than ever. My office will keep fighting to protect affordable energy, good-paying jobs, and the rule of law.Attorney General Letitia James