News Summary
Rhode Island officials express strong condemnation after the Trump administration unexpectedly halts the Revolution Wind offshore project. This decision jeopardizes local jobs and the region’s energy future, prompting Governor Dan McKee to demand immediate federal action to reverse the halt. The project, which is 80% complete and designed to power over 350,000 homes, is viewed as critical for energy reliability and local employment, with calls for resumption following a federal court ruling citing potential irreparable harm from the delay.
Rhode Island leaders are expressing strong condemnation following the Trump administration’s abrupt halt on the Revolution Wind offshore project, putting at least a dozen offshore millwrights and approximately 1,000 unionized workers’ jobs in jeopardy. This significant decision has termed the nearly finished project as a critical threat to local jobs and Rhode Island’s energy future, prompting calls for immediate federal action to reverse the halt.
Governor Dan McKee took immediate action, holding a press conference at the Revolution Wind logistics hub in North Kingstown, demanding the federal government lift its stop-work order. The Revolution Wind project, which has been in development for over seven years, is currently 80% complete, with 506 out of the total 704 megawatts installed. Governor McKee highlighted that halting work now is akin to running a marathon only to stop just before crossing the finish line, emphasizing that it makes no logical sense to pause at this stage.
The Revolution Wind project is designed to generate energy for over 350,000 homes and was set to become operational in the latter half of 2026. The unexpected stoppage not only threatens local employment opportunities but also jeopardizes the region’s energy production at a time when energy grid reliability is already a growing concern. ISO New England has pointed out that delays could substantially risk this reliability, adding urgency to the situation.
A recent analysis indicated that if the Revolution Wind project were operational during the previous winter, it could have saved New England consumers approximately $400 million in energy costs, further underlining the project’s potential positive impact on the regional economy and energy sector.
The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) cited “national security interests” as the reason for the halt. However, U.S. Senator Jack Reed has challenged this justification, reminding stakeholders that the Department of Defense had previously given its approval for the project. The cessation of work is viewed by leaders like Governor McKee as an assault on Rhode Islanders, disrupting essential efforts to lower energy costs and transition to sustainable energy sources.
Rhode Island AFL-CIO President Patrick Crowley underscored that this decision threatens both the local energy industry and highly-skilled jobs. Additionally, various local workers are expressing uncertainty regarding their future job prospects; for example, union carpenter Tony Vaz was left in doubt about a scheduled offshore shift that was planned prior to the announcement of the halt.
While the halt has drawn significant criticism, there are other voices advocating for the Trump administration’s decision, citing potential risks to coastal communities. U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse characterized the stop-work order as a deliberate action favoring fossil fuel interests over the state’s renewable energy aspirations.
The press conference included additional voices such as U.S. Representatives and union leaders, all emphasizing the pressing need for a swift resolution to resume construction work on the project. A subsequent federal court ruling has allowed for the resumption of the Revolution Wind project work, citing the potential irreparable harm caused by the project’s delay and reliance on government assurances. The judge also criticized the administration’s order as arbitrary and lacking sufficient facts to support its claims.
Revolution Wind is slated to provide a crucial share of electricity for both Rhode Island and Connecticut, playing a vital role in meeting the region’s energy demands. If canceled, the project could lead to dramatically increased costs for consumers, resulting in higher energy prices. This situation becomes more pressing as New England confronts an energy crisis characterized by reliance on aging, oil-burning power plants. Wind energy from this initiative was expected to serve as a reliable source to balance seasonal demand and stabilize regional energy prices.
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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.
