OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A recent ruling is clearing the way for wind energy projects to move forward in Washington.

A federal court dismissed an appeal by the Trump administration on Monday, June 15, unfreezing federal permitting for wind energy projects.

President Trump issued an order in January 2025 to indefinitely pause all federal approval for wind energy projects pending review. Washington and 16 other states sued several months later before a federal judge ruled in favor of the coalition last December.

According to Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown, the indefinite freeze threatened Washington’s ability to meet its climate-related goals.

He also said it jeopardized an increasingly important sector of the state’s economy, as wind power is the second biggest contributor to Washington’s renewable energy generation.

“Wind energy is an essential option for delivering clean energy jobs and cheaper, cleaner power to Washingtonians as we transition from dirtier, more expensive fuels,” Brown said in a statement.