On July 7, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14315, “Ending Market Distorting Subsidies for Unreliable, Foreign-Controlled Energy Sources.” This sweeping directive has triggered a significant shake-up in the federal permitting process for renewable energy projects, specifically wind and solar.
In response, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) issued guidance on July 15, 2025, mandating that all wind and solar energy projects now require direct approval from the Secretary of the Interior.
New Approval Chain Now in Place
Every decision, action, consultation, or undertaking involving wind or solar energy facilities must now follow a three-tiered federal review process:
- Initial submission to the Office of the Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs
- Internal review by the Office of the Deputy Secretary
- Final decision by the Office of the Secretary of the Interior
This requirement applies to all project elements - regardless of scope, size, or location.
IPaC Tool Removed - Expect Delays
In addition to the new review chain, the IPaC (Information for Planning and Consultation) website, a critical tool in streamlining environmental reviews, is now off-limits for wind and solar projects. This decision is expected to cause widespread delays, if not outright halts, in permitting timelines.
Key Permits Now Require Top-Level Sign-Off
The new order centralizes decision-making and adds layers of bureaucracy to virtually every aspect of federal renewable energy development, including:
- Cultural Resource/Tribal Consultations and Section 106 (NHPA)
- Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act permits
- Visual Impact Assessments
- Wild & Scenic Rivers Act Determinations
- Compensatory Mitigation Plans
- Federal Grants
- Construction and Operations Plans (COPs)
- Environmental Assessments (EAs), Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSIs), and Records of Decision (RODs)
- …and many more.
What This Means for Your Projects
The result? A significant slow-down — if not outright pause — on renewable energy permitting across the country. Until further guidance is issued, all project planning, approvals, and timelines should be reconsidered with these changes in mind.
BSC IS ON IT
At BSC Group, we’re tracking this policy shift closely and actively coordinating with federal agencies to understand what this means for our clients, our projects, and the future of renewable energy development. Whether you’re in the early planning stages or mid-permit, our team is here to help you navigate the new federal review landscape.
For questions about how this may impact your project, please contact our Licensing and Permitting Team Lead, Melissa Kaplan.