Democrats will not support bipartisan red tape reform unless President Donald Trump stops blocking renewable energy projects, reports Reuters.

Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate environment committee, said federal agencies must level the playing field for wind and solar projects before permitting reform can advance.

President Trump has used his second term to stymie renewable development, including attempts to block permitted offshore wind farms. The House passed legislation in December to streamline environmental reviews and speed permits for green energy schemes.

Some Democrats oppose an amendment that would preserve the president's ability to block offshore wind projects. Mr Whitehouse told a Senate hearing that passing reform without assurances would be "illegally butchered by a lawless executive branch."

The Trump administration argues renewables are costly, less reliable than fossil fuels, and that offshore wind farms could pose national security risks by interfering with radar systems.