Doug Burgum Fights Trump-Backed Windmill Ban

New Policies Target Renewable Energy Sources

The Trump administration has introduced new policies aimed at reducing the influence of renewable energy sources, particularly wind turbines, to protect migratory birds. These measures are part of a broader effort to align federal agencies with the president's vision for affordable energy.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is set to release five policy updates on Tuesday afternoon, as reported by the Daily Mail. These updates are intended to support President Donald Trump's agenda focused on making energy more affordable and accessible. A key component of this initiative involves cutting federal funding for land-based and offshore wind energy projects.

According to a draft press release obtained by the Daily Mail, the order aims to end what it calls "preferential treatment for unreliable energy sources like wind." The policy will also require the DOI to identify any existing policies that favor wind and solar energy and halt spending on energy supply chains controlled by foreign competitors. Notably, China leads the world in the production of turbines and solar power equipment.

Trump has consistently criticized wind turbines, stating that "no new windmills" will be built during his administration. He has expressed concerns about the visual impact of these structures on the natural landscape, claiming they "kill the beauty of our scenery, our valleys, our beautiful plains."

During a recent visit to Scotland, Trump remarked on the negative effects of wind turbines on the environment. "The whole thing is a con job," he said, referring to the wind industry. He also reiterated previous claims that offshore wind turbines disrupt sensitive ecosystems, suggesting that they "are driving [whales] loco, it’s driving them crazy."

Impact on Migratory Birds

One of the primary goals of the new policies is to address the issue of bird deaths caused by wind energy projects. The DOI order will prompt a review of avian mortality rates resulting from wind turbines in the flight paths of migratory birds. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), bird deaths caused by legal activities are considered "incidental." However, the DOI will investigate whether wind turbines qualify for legal protections under the law.

If not, turbine operators could face legal consequences for unintentionally killing birds. Trump has previously highlighted the issue of bald eagles being killed by turbines in California. "You know, in California, they were killing the bald eagle. If you shoot a bald eagle, they want to put you in jail for 10 years. A windmill will kill many bald eagles. It’s true," he stated in 2019.

The American Bird Conservancy estimates that hundreds of thousands of birds are killed annually by wind turbines in the U.S., where there are over 70,000 wind turbines.

Supporting Energy Development

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that these policy changes represent a "commonsense approach to energy that puts Americans' interests first." He stated that leveling the playing field in permitting supports energy development that is reliable, affordable, and built to last. Additionally, the policies aim to ensure that tribes and local communities have a real voice in the process.

"The move is about responsible energy growth that works for every American," the statement concluded.