News Summary
The Trump administration has put a stop to the Revolution Wind project in Rhode Island, terminating $11.25 million in federal funding crucial for improving the Port of Davisville. This decision, which is part of a larger cancellation of $679 million in grants for offshore wind projects, raises concerns about job losses and the state’s renewable energy future. Governor Dan McKee and other Democratic governors condemn the move, highlighting its negative impact on local infrastructure and the importance of the offshore wind industry for job creation and clean energy leadership.
Rhode Island – The Trump administration has halted construction on the Revolution Wind project, a significant offshore wind initiative slated to deliver 400 megawatts of power to Rhode Island. Alongside this announcement, the U.S. Department of Transportation withdrew $11.25 million in federal funding previously allocated for improvements at the Port of Davisville in North Kingstown. The funding was essential for developing infrastructure needed for transporting offshore wind components, paving the way for renewable energy advancements in the state.
The withdrawal of this funding is part of a larger decision by the Transportation Department to cancel a total of $679 million in grants deemed to support “doomed offshore wind projects.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the funding awarded under the previous administration, labeling it a facet of the “Green New Scam agenda.” This abrupt reversal raises immediate concerns about Rhode Island’s economic and energy future, as noted by Governor Dan McKee, who emphasized that such actions threaten critical infrastructure.
In addition to the funding withdrawal, construction on the Revolution Wind project was ordered to be paused by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on August 22, citing unspecified national security concerns. The project was approximately 80% complete at the time, and the cessation of construction threatens to eliminate about 1,000 jobs, as reported by local construction unions.
Liz Burdock, CEO of the Oceantic Network, highlighted that the funding withdrawal not only jeopardizes national security, but also endangers numerous well-paying jobs while undermining essential infrastructure upgrades intended to improve the Port of Davisville’s terminal access and public coastal facilities.
The Port of Davisville has played a crucial role in Rhode Island’s offshore wind endeavors since hosting the Block Island Wind Farm, which was the first offshore wind farm in the U.S. The improvements proposed under the now-canceled funding sought to enhance both the security and access of the port, thereby fostering the growth of the state’s renewable energy sector.
In response to these developments, Democratic governors from Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and New Jersey have publicly condemned the actions taken by the Trump administration. They have urged the administration to honor all offshore wind permits and allow stalled projects to proceed, arguing that the offshore wind industry is vital for job creation, infrastructure revitalization, and establishing leadership in clean energy.
The Obama administration had championed the Revolution Wind project, which was expected to provide power to over 350,000 homes, with a locked-in electricity cost of 9.8 cents per kilowatt-hour for two decades—making it a cost-effective alternative compared to other energy sources in New England. However, the Trump administration has consistently prioritized fossil fuel investments over renewable energy, often questioning the economic viability of wind energy while asserting commitments to restoring U.S. “energy dominance.”
Amid the suspension of funding and construction, Ørsted, the developer of the Revolution Wind project, has initiated legal action against the Trump administration to contest the halt of construction. The administration’s concerns included allegations of potential radar distortion posed by the installation of wind turbines, yet experts from the military community have disputed the legitimacy of these claims.
U.S. Senator Jack Reed from Rhode Island has defended the Revolution Wind project, labeling the construction moratorium as harmful to both the state’s interests and national energy security. The unfolding situation underscores the complexities surrounding renewable energy initiatives and the potential ramifications of federal policy decisions on local economies and job markets.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: Offshore Wind Power
- Pique News Magazine
- Google Search: Offshore Wind Projects
- Marin Independent Journal
- Google Scholar: Offshore Wind Energy Trump Administration
- AP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Renewable Energy
- Providence Journal
- Google News: Trump Offshore Wind
- Lock Haven Express
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
