The renewable industry accused the Interior Department of obstructing wind and solar projects for political reasons.

The Trump administration is taking new steps to stifle wind and solar energy development, requiring projects to get Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s personal signature to receive necessary permits. An internal memo sent to Interior Department staff on Wednesday said all wind and solar power facilities on Interior Department-controlled land must undergo strict political reviews from

All solar and wind energy projects on federal lands and waters must be personally approved by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum under a new order that authorizes him to conduct “elevated review” of activities ranging from leases to rights-of-way,