Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in a legal motion to intervene in a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense and Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the processing of land-based wind energy projects.

Background

The coalition is requesting a federal court to lift a Department of Defense policy enacted in August 2025 that paused routine reviews of proposed wind developments. Under federal law, the Department of Defense is required to evaluate whether onshore wind projects present potential national security risks and to collaborate with developers on adjustments if concerns arise.

According to the legal filing, the Department of Defense altered its procedure in August 2025 by halting the signature of mitigation agreements, delaying communications, and stopping final project approvals, including for projects that had already completed negotiations.

Impact on Michigan

In Michigan, the state reports that the suspension affects at least $507 million in private investments and more than 1,100 jobs tied to wind developments. State officials also indicated the freeze could affect the ability of Michigan utilities to meet statutory mandates for renewable and clean energy generation.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.