A federal judge in Massachusetts announced Wednesday his intention to reject a request from the Trump administration seeking to dismiss a lawsuit concerning its decision to block wind energy projects. The lawsuit, led by a coalition of 17 states and Washington, D.C., challenges President Trump’s immediate executive order that halted offshore wind project leasing and permitting.

Judge William G. Young indicated he would allow the case to proceed against Interior Secretary Doug Burgum but plans to dismiss claims against Trump and other secretaries named as defendants. He expressed the view that states do have standing to sue, countering federal arguments that they do not.

The suit argues that prohibiting permits for wind projects violates the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires a detailed process for enacting regulations, rather than the Constitution. The states claim that the federal government’s actions threaten their economies, energy development, public health, and climate commitments.

The Department of Justice attorney stated in court that while the wind energy permit process was paused, it was not permanently halted, as environmental reviews are still underway. He argued that the states failed to demonstrate specific harm from the delay in permits. In contrast, the states contend that the indefinite and categorical nature of the Trump order causes harm—specifically citing a Massachusetts offshore wind project delayed by two years due to permit issues linked to the order.

Despite the government’s stance, Judge Young acknowledged the states’ right to have their case heard, emphasizing the harm caused by the order. The project delays hinder Massachusetts from meeting offshore wind energy targets.

Wind energy remains the largest renewable energy source in the U.S., accounting for around 10% of the nation’s electricity, according to industry data. Meanwhile, Trump has emphasized fossil fuel priorities and recently declared that wind projects would only be approved in emergencies. The administration also ordered Norwegian company Equinor to halt offshore wind construction in New York, though work has since resumed.

The coalition includes multiple states and D.C., all seeking to challenge the federal suspension on wind energy development.