Congressman John Garamendi joined Congressman Seth Magaziner and 54 other lawmakers in asking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to address the Department of Defense’s halt of its review process for wind energy projects, according to a May 13 statement. The letter, sent by the group, requests answers about why these reviews have stopped and calls for immediate corrective action as well as a briefing from the department.
The issue is significant because the stoppage has led to an effective moratorium on all new wind development projects, which lawmakers say could impact energy costs, domestic production, and ongoing projects. “We write to express our deep concerns that the Department of Defense’s (Department’s) process for wind energy projects has effectively resulted in a de facto moratorium on new development,” the letter says. The signatories argue that delays threaten both American energy independence and national security.
According to the lawmakers’ letter, developers report that all stages of project review—such as initial risk determinations and mitigation negotiations—have stalled or ceased entirely. They say nearly 200 projects are currently stuck in review, with at least 35 waiting only for a countersignature on fully negotiated mitigation agreements. The breakdowns have also affected transmission towers and other infrastructure related to energy.
The members cite estimates from American Clean Power Association suggesting that stopping new wind construction could cost the U.S. electricity system $361 billion over 25 years while putting at risk around $54 billion in investment and approximately 150,000 jobs. “At a time when energy prices are rising, we need to be working across the federal government to ensure we are building energy generation efficiently and safely,” they wrote.
Garamendi is currently serving in Congress representing California’s 8th district after replacing Ellen Tauscher in 2009; he previously served in both houses of California’s legislature according to Congress.gov. He was born in Camp Blanding, Florida in 1945 and lives in Walnut Grove according to Congress.gov. Garamendi graduated from University of California Berkeley with a BA before earning another degree from Harvard University according to Congress.gov.
The lawmakers conclude their letter by requesting a classified briefing about any policy changes or frameworks contributing to these developments as well as steps needed for restoring normal review processes.
