WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge ruled Monday that the nearly completed offshore wind project known as Revolution Wind can resume, striking a blow against President Donald Trump's efforts to limit the burgeoning renewable energy sector.
Since August 22, work on the Revolution Wind project has been on hold due to a stop-work order issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which cited national security concerns without further elaboration. Both the developer and the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut challenged this order in federal court.
At a hearing on Monday, Judge Royce Lamberth emphasized the significant delays and costs incurred as the project remains idle — approximately $2.3 million per day — and highlighted the potential collapse of the entire project if it fails to meet essential deadlines. With over 1,000 construction workers involved, the project is currently 80% complete.
Irreparable harm to the plaintiffs is evident, Judge Lamberth stated when he granted the preliminary injunction. In his written decision, he asserted that Revolution Wind demonstrated a strong likelihood of success in its legal claims, indicating that the injunction aligns with public interest.
Following the ruling, Interior Department spokesperson Elizabeth Peace confirmed that construction would resume while BOEM continues to investigate any impacts related to national security.
Connecticut and Rhode Island officials have heralded the judge's ruling as a critical victory for local families who rely on the project to mitigate soaring energy costs. Connecticut's Attorney General William Tong expressed dismay over the administration's challenges to renewable energy developments, advocating for a focus on clean energy solutions.
This offshore project is positioned to serve over 350,000 homes and addresses about 2.5% of the electricity needs in the region. Orsted aims to restart construction shortly and remains committed to resolving the administration's concerns collaboratively.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has faced scrutiny over its actions against the renewable sector, with critics like Nancy Pyne of the Sierra Club labeling Trump's offensive against clean energy as both reckless and illegal. The administration has halted several significant offshore wind initiatives and curtailed permits for new developments, supporting fossil fuel production instead.
Revolution Wind represents an ambitious step for Rhode Island and Connecticut towards a greener future, and its resumption marks a pivotal moment in the battle between renewable energy progress and political barriers.
