A review by the U.S. Department of Defense has effectively paused a significant portion of onshore wind development on private land, industry sources say. About 165 projects awaiting approval are currently being held up as the Pentagon examines the national security implications of energy infrastructure.
The affected portfolio includes projects in varying stages of advancement - some awaiting final sign-off, others still negotiating terms, and even some that under typical procedures would not be subject to Pentagon oversight. Industry representatives have described a mix of disruptions that began in August 2025 and have continued since.
Developers recount a pattern of setbacks that includes an absence of expected communication from the Defense Department, meetings that were canceled without rescheduling, and notifications that applications would no longer be processed. In early April, letters were sent to developers indicating that the Pentagon was reviewing its processes for evaluating how energy projects might affect national security.
Trade groups and developers say the pause has created operational uncertainty across the sector. The interruption affects projects on private lands specifically, many of which were progressing toward construction or final regulatory sign-offs when the Pentagon's review took effect.
The pause follows earlier actions in which the administration halted wind projects, citing classified national security concerns tied to radar interference; such earlier pauses have prompted litigation. Developers have reported repeated disruptions under the current administration, which has publicly criticized wind turbines as ‘‘ugly, expensive and inefficient.’'
What industry sources say
Industry groups have said the Pentagon's intervention has not been uniform: some projects that would not ordinarily require defense review are nonetheless being delayed. Those close to the matter characterize the situation as a mixture of stalled permits and procedural reassessment by defense authorities.
Responses and verification
Requests for comment made to the American Clean Power Association and to the Department of Defense did not elicit immediate responses. The reporting of these developments could not be immediately verified.
As described by sources within the sector, the Defense Department's reassessment of review processes is the proximate cause of the current hold on approvals for the affected onshore wind projects.