US Renewable Energy Sector Suffers Another Blow! Trump Halts Major Nevada Solar Project

　　This week, the US government officially halted a large-scale solar project in Nevada, the latest move by President Trump to restrict renewable energy development. This also means that the project, which could have become the world's largest photovoltaic power plant, has now been scrapped.

　　The project, proposed by developers including NextEra Energy Inc. and Invenergy, comprised seven solar power stations spread across 118,000 acres (approximately 477.53 square kilometers) of federal land northwest of Las Vegas. Under the original development plan, it would have become one of the largest photovoltaic power stations in the world.

　　The US Department of the Interior stated in a declaration that developers can now choose to "submit individual project proposals to the US Geological Survey for more effective analysis of potential impacts." This decision comes as the department is adjusting the permit review process and other requirements for building wind and solar farms on US public lands, while critics say these measures effectively hinder the development of clean energy projects on federal land.

　　The decision included a directive requiring US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to personally sign off on 69 approvals for wind and solar projects, as well as an energy capacity density standard – one that solar projects are likely to struggle to meet.

　　The Esmeralda VII Project was one of several major clean energy initiatives promoted during former President Biden's term. However, since Trump took office, the renewable energy efforts made by the Biden administration have faced increasing resistance.

　　"All solar projects on public lands in the state have stalled, not just this one," said Patrick Donnelly, director of the Center for Biological Diversity based in Nevada.