Trump Administration Moves to Limit Bird-Associated Wind Farms Over Environmental Concerns

The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a new directive targeting large-scale renewable energy projects, specifically those involving wind and solar power. The policy aims to address issues related to inefficiency, environmental impact, and grid stability. Secretary Doug Burgum unveiled the order on August 5, 2025, which affects federal land management nationwide. The initiative introduces a 'capacity density' metric to evaluate the spatial efficiency and reliability of energy installations, with a particular focus on wind and solar developments. "Massive, unreliable, and intermittent energy projects hinder America's path to energy dominance and place a heavy burden on taxpayers and the environment," Burgum stated. The policy advocates for prioritizing energy sources that demonstrate higher efficiency and dependability. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, advanced nuclear plants generate substantially more energy per acre—up to 5,500 times more—than wind farms. Burgum’s order emphasizes concerns about the displacement of dependable energy sources by wind and solar projects, which he claims have contributed to grid instability. Former President Donald ...