Overview
- U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris struck down the Jan. 20 directive pausing new onshore and offshore wind leasing and permitting, calling it arbitrary and capricious under administrative law.
- The court sided with a coalition led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, joined by 17 states, Washington, D.C., and the Alliance for Clean Energy New York.
- Plaintiffs presented evidence of ongoing or imminent harms to state investments and projects, citing a canceled Idaho wind farm and stop‑work orders for Revolution Wind and Empire Wind.
- Vacatur lifts the blanket pause, yet the opinion notes agencies may still revoke or deny individual project permits and the administration can continue other measures that constrain wind development.
- The White House defended the review rationale, while groups such as the Environmental Defense Fund and industry allies praised the ruling; uncertainty remains over a possible appeal and how Interior will handle pending applications.