Trump Admin Allows Oil and Gas Permits, Freezes Renewables in Shutdown

Contingency plans developed by the Interior Department prioritize fossil fuel leasing and drilling while wind and solar projects are halted.
Trump Admin Allows Oil and Gas Permits, Freezes Renewables in Shutdown
Solar panels help power up an oil field In Bakersfield, Calif., on March 21, 2025. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times
Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
|Updated:
0:00

During the government shutdown, the Trump administration will continue to process oil and gas drilling permits on a limited basis while putting a halt to all renewable energy activities.

The Interior Department, which oversees energy development on federal lands and waters, said in contingency plans that it will furlough thousands of workers and freeze all renewable projects like wind and solar, but will continue processing permits for conventional sources of energy like oil and gas that are deemed necessary.

Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
Tom Ozimek is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times. He has a broad background in journalism, deposit insurance, marketing and communications, and adult education.
twitter