In a significant move affecting the renewable energy sector, the Trump administration has released a memo outlining stricter federal permitting processes for wind and solar projects. The Interior Department is now subjecting these energy initiatives to heightened political reviews, effectively adding new levels of scrutiny that critics argue could dismantle regulatory support for renewables. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has been mandated to personally approve all wind and solar projects, signaling a shift towards increased control over renewable energy development on public lands. The move has drawn backlash from the U.S. wind and solar industries, which are concerned about the additional red tape and the potential stalling of projects crucial to renewable energy progress in the country.