Industry groups said the directive could create new delays and bottlenecks for renewable energy projects across the country.

The new requirement threatens to slow the approval process for renewable energy projects as they race to begin construction before the deadline for tax credits.

All solar and wind energy projects on federal lands and waters must be personally approved by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum under a new order that authorizes him to conduct “elevated review” of activities ranging from leases to rights-of-way,