The Trump administration is tightening federal oversight of solar and wind projects on U.S.-owned lands, with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum now holding final authority over leases, construction, and permitting. An internal memo and official statements suggest the move aims to "level the playing field" for coal and natural gas, which the administration claims were disadvantaged under Biden. Renewable energy groups, including the American Clean Power Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association, criticize the decision as politically driven obstruction that adds unnecessary bureaucracy and hinders clean energy growth amid rising electricity demand. The policy shift follows other actions, such as terminating key tax incentives for renewables through Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act and an executive order to end preferential treatment for wind and solar. Despite the controversy, only a small portion of solar (5%) and wind (1%) projects are on federal land.