News Summary
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has issued a stop-work order on the Revolution Wind project, halting progress on the offshore wind farm that was 80% complete. The decision has drawn criticism from local officials and labor groups who argue it undermines Rhode Island’s renewable energy goals. Meanwhile, commercial fishers express relief over potential benefits to their industry. The project, which promises energy to 350,000 homes, is now facing legal challenges as stakeholders assess the implications of this decision on jobs and renewable energy commitments.
Rhode Island – On August 22, 2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced a stop-work order on the Revolution Wind project, which was reported to be 80% complete. This halt comes amidst growing concerns about the project’s impact on local fishing, as commercial fishers claim that the wind farm disrupts fish harvests, particularly for species such as squid, cod, and scallops.
The Revolution Wind project is poised to deliver energy to approximately 350,000 homes, utilizing a 704-megawatt field of offshore turbines. It has been in the planning and development stages for over a decade, navigating a complex landscape of permits, approvals, reviews, and legal challenges along the way. The recent administrative decision has left union construction workers idled 15 miles off the coast, with many occupying their time with video games and texting their families.
The halt to the project has sparked criticism from local elected officials, who express concern that it undermines Rhode Island’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2033. Environmental groups, along with the union workers associated with the project, have voiced anger regarding the decision, arguing that it contradicts both local and national energy goals. In contrast, commercial fishers have celebrated the halt, which they believe may benefit their industry.
Patrick Crowley, a union member, articulated frustration about the impact of the shutdown, describing it as a senseless move against union jobs. Notably, many of the workers affected had previously expressed support for the Trump administration. The decision is consistent with Trump’s historical opposition to offshore wind farms, where he has made unsubstantiated claims about health and environmental risks associated with these renewable energy sources.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum characterized the decision to halt the project as a “commonsense approach to energy,” advocating for energy solutions that are both reliable and affordable. Critics, however, argue that such moves jeopardize the nation’s green energy commitments and send a disheartening message to investors in the renewable sector.
The Revolution Wind project stands as a privately funded initiative, and its early completion was anticipated to create hundreds of union jobs and lead to millions in local investments. As workers await their next shifts, they find themselves reflecting on the recent instability experienced in the energy sector, drawing comparisons to the fallout from the termination of the Keystone XL Pipeline.
Legal challenges are expected from the backers of the Revolution Wind project as they explore options to resume work and push back against the halt. Observers have noted that the Trump administration appears to be favoring fossil fuel interests over initiatives aimed at fostering green energy development.
In a broader context, wind and solar energy sources accounted for 17% of U.S. electricity production last year, illustrating the growing role of renewables in the nation’s energy landscape. In July 2023, the United States experienced a record high for single-day electricity consumption, emphasizing the increasing demand for energy solutions. The Revolution Wind project has a contract that promises electricity delivery at competitive rates, with a long-term levelized price just above 7 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Local officials and members of the community have expressed concern that the stop-work order obstructs Rhode Island’s progress toward implementing sustainable energy solutions. The implications of the decision are undoubtedly significant, as the state seeks to balance economic interests with environmental sustainability and energy independence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Providence Journal: RI Families Deserve Clean Energy
- 4C Offshore: Crane Ship for Empire Wind Project
- Interesting Engineering: Vessel Thialf Arrives for Wind Project
- Jamestown Press: Fishing Trawler Runs Aground
- AOL: James Taylor and Offshore Wind
- Wikipedia: Renewable Energy in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wind Power
- Google Search: Revolution Wind Project
- Google Scholar: Offshore Wind Energy
- Google News: Rhode Island Energy Projects
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.
