Dozens of Texas wind energy projects are facing delays after the U.S. Department of Defense paused approvals for routine federal permits tied to turbine development.
Texas is home to more wind turbines than any other state and hosts several major military installations. Federal law requires any structure taller than 200 feet — including antennas, smokestacks and wind turbines — to first be reviewed by the Federal Aviation Administration before the military determines whether the structure could interfere with military airspace or operations. The Department of Defense is required to complete those reviews within 60 days of receiving an application from the FAA.
However, the department has not approved a wind project since August 2025 and in April canceled pending meetings with developers awaiting federal clearance, according to the American Clean Power Association. Data collected by the trade group shows 54 Texas wind projects are currently awaiting federal review as part of a broader nationwide backlog involving 165 onshore wind developments.
Developers and energy analysts say the delays are disrupting financing timelines, construction schedules and permitting activity tied to projects already in development. Industry groups have warned prolonged federal reviews could increase project costs and delay energy infrastructure investment across Texas.
A Department of Defense official said the agency continues evaluating projects to ensure they do not impair national security or military operations, a process the department said requires significant interagency coordination.
The delays follow a broader series of federal actions targeting wind energy development. Last year, the administration suspended leases for five offshore wind projects along the East Coast, citing radar interference and national security concerns. Federal judges later ruled against the administration in all five cases, finding the government exceeded its authority and failed to demonstrate national security threats. Construction on those projects has since resumed.
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