The U.S. Department of Defense has implemented a permitting freeze affecting more than 150 onshore wind projects in 24 states, according to research by the American Clean Power Association. The freeze cites concerns about unmanned drones potentially operating within wind farm areas as a new national security threat. The Pentagon previously maintained a review process for wind projects to address radar interference issues caused by turbine blade reflections and electromagnetic waves, but officials now contend that technical upgrades to radar systems may be insufficient given evolving drone technology.
Wind developers have reported approximately $2 billion in additional costs stemming from the freeze. The suspension prevents projects from obtaining financing or insurance needed to proceed with construction. Some developers have reportedly missed a July 4 deadline to qualify for federal tax credits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a 2025 law that phased out several clean energy incentives. The Pentagon has not announced when or whether it will resume approving new projects.
The affected onshore projects represent a combined capacity of 44 gigawatts, significantly larger than offshore wind projects previously canceled through federal buyouts. A coalition of renewable energy organizations and wind companies filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense in May, claiming the freeze is part of an “unprecedented campaign” against the industry. Legal filings argue the pause could cause timeline delays, contract violations, loss of tax credits, and missed grid connection deadlines that could render some projects economically unviable.
The Pentagon maintains the freeze does not require formal public notice-and-comment rulemaking because it constitutes a delay rather than a regulatory change. Department lawyers argue the freeze is necessary to protect national security interests. However, industry representatives and Democratic lawmakers have questioned the lack of transparency in implementing the pause. Fifty-five Democratic representatives requested a confidential briefing from the Pentagon in May to understand the security basis for the delays, though the department has not yet responded to that request.