September 7, 2025

Rhode Island and Connecticut Sue Over Wind Project Halt

News Summary

Rhode Island and Connecticut have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to resume the Revolution Wind project, which is critical for job creation and energy stability. The project, currently 80% complete, has faced a stop-work order from the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management due to vague concerns. State officials warn that the halt could lead to increased energy prices and jeopardize the region’s clean energy progress. The lawsuit underscores the growing tension between states advocating for renewable energy and federal regulatory actions.

Rhode Island and Connecticut Sue Trump Administration Over Revolution Wind Project

Rhode Island and Connecticut have jointly filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to resume the stalled Revolution Wind electricity project, which they claim is crucial for job creation and economic stability. The legal action was announced on Thursday morning following a halt imposed by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on August 22 due to unspecified concerns.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong condemned the administration’s actions as “erratic and reckless” and labeled the halt as “blatantly illegal.” Furthermore, Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse criticized the decision, alleging it would lead to higher energy prices, job losses, and exacerbate climate change impacts.

Project Overview and Economic Implications

The Revolution Wind project is a prominent offshore wind initiative situated approximately 15 miles south of Rhode Island and 32 miles southeast of the Connecticut coast. A joint venture between Denmark’s Ørsted and Germany’s Skyborn Renewables, the project has successfully obtained all necessary federal and state permits and is currently about 80% complete. If finalized, it is poised to provide electricity to around 350,000 homes beginning in 2026, contributing 2.5% to New England’s electricity supply.

Rhode Island’s Attorney General Peter Neronha highlighted the project’s significance for job creation, energy reliability, and environmental protections. The Revolution Wind project employs over 1,000 union members, many of whom have expressed frustration over the work stoppage. The Rhode Island AFL-CIO’s president mentioned that union workers are particularly furious about the halt. The states argue that the stop-work order jeopardizes not only jobs but also the region’s clean energy progress and billions of investments already made.

The combined investment in the Revolution Wind project is estimated at approximately $5 billion, with an additional $1 billion in potential costs if the project is indefinitely delayed. The anticipated electricity from Revolution Wind is priced at 9.8 cents per kilowatt-hour for 20 years, presenting a cost-effective solution compared to average energy prices in New England.

Legal Challenge and Industry Impact

In conjunction with the states’ lawsuit, Ørsted and Skyborn filed a separate complaint in the U.S. District Court for D.C., contesting the legality of the stop-work order. Their lawsuit asserts that the order was issued without the necessary statutory authority and lacks an evidentiary basis, thus deeming it unlawful.

The BOEM’s notice did not specify any legal violations or safety threats as the basis for the order. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among state officials, who warn that halting the project could undermine energy reliability, especially in winter months when demand peaks. Additionally, Rhode Island’s Governor Dan McKee indicated that the White House’s intervention could diminish investor confidence in the region’s burgeoning offshore wind energy sector.

Broader Context of Wind Energy Development

The Trump administration has been associated with a broader campaign against offshore wind energy initiatives, not just for the Revolution Wind project but also by slowing down approvals for other similar ventures. A coalition of 18 attorneys general has previously filed lawsuits against the administration concerning various wind energy development issues.

Currently, the construction phase of the Revolution Wind project supports more than 2,500 jobs nationwide, underscoring its economic importance beyond just the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut. As the legal battle ensues, the future of the project hangs in the balance, prompting state officials and industry leaders to advocate for swift action to resume construction and secure the benefits associated with this renewable energy endeavor.

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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.

STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

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