Interior Dept. to Put Wind and Solar Projects Through Stricter Political Review

The U.S. Interior Department has announced a directive that will subject wind and solar projects on federal lands to a more rigorous political review process. This move is seen by industry groups as potentially creating new delays and bottlenecks for renewable energy projects nationwide. The directive requires projects to go through an additional layer of review by the department's leadership, including political appointees, before receiving final approval. This extra step is expected to slow down the approval process for these projects, which are crucial in the transition to clean energy. Proponents of the directive argue that it will ensure a more thorough examination of the potential impacts of these projects. However, critics contend that it could impede the country's progress towards its renewable energy goals and hinder the development of crucial infrastructure. The decision has sparked concerns within the renewable energy industry, which fears that the added bureaucratic hurdles could hamper the growth and deployment of wind and solar power across the United States.