News Summary
A federal judge has ruled in favor of Orsted, permitting the continuation of the Revolution Wind offshore project after a temporary injunction against the Trump administration’s stop work order. The ruling emphasizes the importance of the project for energy supply and jobs in Rhode Island and Connecticut. The Revolution Wind project is nearly complete and aims to provide clean energy to over 350,000 homes, marking a significant step in renewable energy initiatives despite political challenges.
Rhode Island – A federal judge has ruled against the Trump administration’s efforts to halt construction on the Revolution Wind offshore wind farm, allowing Danish renewable energy company Orsted to resume work on the project “as soon as possible.” Judge Royce Lamberth granted a temporary injunction, emphasizing that Orsted had demonstrated a likelihood of success in its legal challenge against a stop work order issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on August 22 due to unspecified national security concerns.
Orsted affirmed that safety will be the top priority as construction resumes. The Revolution Wind project, which is already 80% complete and fully permitted, is projected to provide clean energy to over 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. With an investment of $5 billion so far, the project risks an additional $1 billion in costs if work is canceled.
The lawsuit filed by Orsted and its partner Skyborn Renewables characterized the BOEM’s stop work order as arbitrary, capricious, unlawful, and issued in bad faith. Judge Lamberth underscored that the lack of factual support for the Department of the Interior’s national security claims contributed to his decision, and attributed potential project collapse to the delay in construction.
The ruling poses a significant setback for the Trump administration, which has sought to limit the offshore wind industry within the United States. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum previously indicated that President Trump believes the offshore wind sector is too expensive and unreliable. There is now the possibility that the administration may appeal the judge’s decision.
Prior to the issuance of the stop work order, the Interior Department had certified that the Revolution Wind project did not pose any national security issues. The abrupt change in stance raised additional questions about the motives behind the administration’s actions. Judge Lamberth argued that the lack of substantiation for the national security claims weakens the administration’s position.
Potential Implications for Energy Supply
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha backed Orsted’s lawsuit, highlighting the detrimental impact that stopping construction could have on the region’s energy reliability. The project is especially crucial during the winter months when energy demand historically peaks. Additionally, more than 1,000 workers have been involved in the construction of the Revolution Wind project, underscoring the potential job losses tied to delays.
The anticipated long-term energy cost from the project is estimated at 9.8 cents per kilowatt-hour, fixed for a 20-year period, which is lower than the average projected energy cost in New England. This places Revolution Wind not just as an environmental benefit but also as a viable economic strategy for the region’s energy needs, particularly in the wake of potential energy shortages.
Conclusion
As construction on the Revolution Wind project ramps up again, stakeholders will continue to monitor legal developments closely, especially regarding any potential appeals from the Trump administration. This case marks an essential chapter in the ongoing debate about renewable energy initiatives and the challenges presented by regulatory and political landscapes in the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CNBC: Judge lifts halt on Orsted’s Revolution Wind project
- Wikipedia: Offshore Wind Power in the United States
- Politico: Judge Allows Offshore Wind Project to Resume
- Google Search: Revolution Wind project
- Greenwich Time: Federal Judge Lifts Halt on Wind Project
- Google Scholar: Revolution Wind project
- AP News: Judge Rules in Favor of Offshore Wind Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Offshore Wind Energy
- Detroit News: Trump’s Halt Threatens Offshore Wind Jobs
- Google News: Revolution Wind project
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.
