DOJ Moves to Dismiss Appeal, Wind Permitting Freeze Unblocked

The Department of Justice filed to dismiss its appeal of a federal court’s December ruling that vacated the Trump administration’s wind permitting moratorium, effectively reopening federal wind project approvals under existing law. The case—brought by New York and 16 states plus a trade group—centers on the pause of onshore and offshore wind permits; the court’s decision vacated the permit pause while keeping the lease withdrawal in place. The dismissal requires approval from the First Circuit, which is typically granted when both parties consent. This development means developers can pursue permits under current regulations, with further updates to follow.