The renewable industry accused the Interior Department of obstructing wind and solar projects for political reasons.

The Trump administration is taking new steps to stifle wind and solar energy development, requiring projects to get Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s personal signature to receive necessary permits. An internal memo sent to Interior Department staff on Wednesday said all wind and solar power facilities on Interior Department-controlled land must undergo strict political reviews from

T he Trump administration plans to put solar and wind projects through an elevated review process, saying that moves toward approval will have to be vetted by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s office.