Trump Administration Withdraws Appeal of Wind Energy Permitting Freeze After Court Defeat

The Trump administration voluntarily dismissed its appeal in a lawsuit challenging its executive order that froze all federal permitting for wind energy projects. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit granted the dismissal on June 15, 2026, cementing a victory for a coalition of 18 attorneys general who had successfully challenged the freeze. A federal judge had previously vacated the freeze in April 2026, ruling it arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. The withdrawal effectively ends the administration's attempt to halt wind energy development nationwide, which had been implemented through a January 2025 Presidential Wind Memorandum. Multiple state attorneys general characterized the retreat as the administration 'waving the white flag' on its unlawful ban on wind power. The freeze had disrupted billions of dollars in renewable energy investments during the months it was in effect.

"The Trump Administration has voluntarily dismissed its own appeal in a lawsuit challenging Donald Trump's executive order banning wind project development in the United States, effectively ending the unlawful, sweeping ban on wind power." — Statement from Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings announcing the final legal victory