Last week, the Trump administration abruptly ordered a halt to construction at Revolution Wind, a major offshore wind farm near Rhode Island that was nearing completion, vaguely citing national security concerns without providing further details.
This action is part of a troubling pattern where the administration has revoked permits or stopped progress on wind farms already granted federal approval, including projects in New York and Idaho, often without substantial legal justification.
Legal analysts argue there is scant foundation for blocking projects that have already secured permits, raising concerns about the administration's approach.
Recent court filings indicate plans to rescind federal approvals for the Maryland Offshore Wind Project, which, though not yet under construction, would feature up to 114 turbines off Ocean City, Maryland.
Experts warn these unprecedented disruptions are jeopardizing the wind industry’s future, putting thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investments at risk. Even successful legal challenges could not prevent costly delays and uncertainties that threaten project viability.
Michael Gerrard, director of Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, described the administration’s justification for halting Revolution Wind as "alarmingly insubstantial."
He added that if the intent is to undermine the wind sector, the strategy could be effective, as the threat of permit revocation after significant investment discourages future capital deployment in clean energy.
The $6.2 billion Revolution Wind project, comprising 65 turbines, was about 80 percent complete and expected to power more than 350,000 homes across Rhode Island and Connecticut by spring.
In a letter dated August 22, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management informed Orsted, the Danish developer, that activities must pause while the administration reviewed national security issues related to the project.
Governors and senators from Rhode Island and Connecticut condemned the administration’s decision, asserting there was no transparent justification for halting the project.
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal called for clarity, demanding the administration disclose any security concerns publicly or in a private briefing, and criticized the lack of evidence supporting the abrupt stoppage.
He also cautioned that while legal challenges may succeed, prolonged delays ultimately harm consumers and the regional energy market.
The Interior Department declined to elaborate on national security issues, instead reiterating longstanding criticisms of wind power, emphasizing a preference for affordable, reliable energy sources over what it described as "experimental and costly" wind projects.
Wind energy now contributes over 10 percent of the U.S. electricity supply and plays a significant role in states such as Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Union representatives warned that more than 1,200 jobs could be impacted by the Revolution Wind suspension, while New England’s grid operator highlighted potential risks to regional electricity reliability.
Connecticut’s energy commissioner, Katie Dykes, stated that interrupting the project raises the risk of rolling blackouts affecting the region.
President Trump has long opposed wind power, imposing a moratorium on new offshore wind project approvals on his first day in office. However, many assumed this did not affect projects already approved federally.
In April, the Interior Department unexpectedly halted work on Empire Wind, a $5 billion offshore wind farm near Long Island that had Biden administration approvals. Officials cited rushed permitting and alleged flaws found by NOAA scientists but withheld evidence from the public and developers.
After a month-long halt, the project was allowed to proceed, reportedly following political negotiations over gas pipeline approvals, which were denied by New York’s governor.
This month, the administration reversed approval for the Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho, citing vague "legal deficiencies" without detailed explanation.
The sudden stop of Revolution Wind surprised industry stakeholders who questioned the national security rationale, given the extensive public and interagency reviews conducted since 2009 that included Defense Department and Coast Guard participation.
Bill White, a former member of the intergovernmental task force on offshore wind, noted no major security concerns were raised during these consultations.
While the military has expressed concerns about offshore wind in other regions, such as Virginia, New England’s issues centered mainly on fisheries rather than security.
Revolution Wind underwent an additional environmental review, with the Defense Department recommending minor adjustments. The government concluded in 2023 that national security impacts would be "minimal and manageable."
Elizabeth Klein, former head of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, explained that while the agency can legally halt projects for security reasons, it must provide formal written notice and generally engages with developers before stopping work abruptly.
She emphasized that even under broad interpretations, a dialogue should precede any project suspension, noting the current stoppage lacks clear justification.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin recently contradicted the national security explanation, attributing opposition to wind projects instead to concerns over economic and environmental impacts, and a preference for increased fossil fuel production.
The long-term viability of Revolution Wind remains uncertain amid ongoing delays.
Orsted reported needing an additional $9.4 billion to complete Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind projects, already grappling with an industry downturn worsened by the administration’s opposition.
Following the stop-work order, Orsted’s stock dropped to record lows, with analysts estimating the halt could cost the company $25 million weekly.
Similarly, Equinor faced major losses and operational disruptions during a previous stop-work order on Empire Wind, with delays costing nearly $1 billion.
Orsted is currently exploring all options, including potential legal action, while maintaining hopes to complete Revolution Wind by next year.
Officials in Connecticut and Rhode Island remain committed to finishing Revolution Wind but express uncertainty about the administration’s demands or how to resolve the impasse.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont acknowledged the possibility of a negotiated resolution but admitted he is unsure what the administration’s specific requirements might be.
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