A coalition of 18 state attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump over his executive order that halts the development of both offshore and onshore wind energy projects. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, challenges the President’s directive issued on January 20, 2025, which paused all federal approvals, permits, and loans for wind energy projects. The coalition argues that Trump overstepped his authority by unilaterally freezing the permitting process, which is vital to the economic and environmental goals of the states involved.

The states involved in the lawsuit, which include assert that this executive order jeopardizes their energy strategies and undermines investments in wind energy infrastructure. The lawsuit also claims that Trump's directive contradicts his own “national energy emergency” declaration, which called for expanding energy production across multiple sectors but excluded wind energy.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, leading the coalition, said the order is “arbitrary and unnecessary,” and it threatens thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investments. Additionally, it delays the transition to cleaner energy sources, which is crucial for combating climate change. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell echoed these concerns, emphasizing the state's commitment to offshore wind projects that provide reliable, well-paying jobs and contribute to meeting clean energy goals.

The suit also highlights the abrupt suspension of several key wind projects, including the fully permitted Empire Wind project in New York, which had already started construction. This freeze has disrupted development in a crucial sector, particularly in coastal states that rely on offshore wind farms as part of their renewable energy plans.

States argue that the President’s action violates federal laws and procedures governing energy project approvals and risks undermining efforts to reduce emissions and invest in green technologies. The coalition is calling for the court to declare the executive order illegal and prevent the Trump administration from halting wind energy development further.