WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge ruled that the nearly complete Revolution Wind offshore project can resume construction, a setback for President Donald Trump's administration, which has been actively trying to restrict the growth of the renewable energy industry. Construction had been paused since August 22, after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a stop-work order citing national security concerns, although specifics were not provided at that time. The developer, Danish energy company Orsted, along with Rhode Island and Connecticut, filed lawsuits in response.
During a hearing on Monday, Judge Lamberth emphasized the urgency, noting that the project is losing $2.3 million daily due to the delays, and that without timely completion, the project could face collapse as the specialized ship required would not be available until 2028. Over 1,000 workers are currently engaged in the project, which is approximately 80% completed.
Lamberth acknowledged the potential for irreparable harm to the plaintiffs and ruled that the project had shown a likelihood of success, saying that granting the injunction serves the public interest.
Interior Department spokesperson Elizabeth Peace confirmed that the court ruling allows construction to resume while the BOEM continues its investigation into the project's national security impacts. The administration had previously indicated that, despite approving the wind farm, ongoing collaboration with the Department of Defense to mitigate security concerns was necessary.
Orsted has expressed readiness to proceed with construction immediately, stressing their willingness to work collaboratively with the administration. Environmental advocates from groups like the Sierra Club welcomed the ruling, arguing that it highlights the illegality of the administration's efforts against clean energy. Meanwhile, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated that Trump's agenda to focus on energy dominance remains active.
Furthermore, Trump has vowed to end the offshore wind industry upon returning to office, favoring fossil fuel production. His administration's policies have resulted in the cessation of numerous offshore wind projects, as well as revocation of permits and funding for renewable energy initiatives.
The Revolution Wind project is set to be Rhode Island and Connecticut’s first large offshore wind farm, poised to provide electricity for more than 350,000 homes and meet approximately 2.5% of the region’s energy demands, a vital contribution amid rising energy costs. Local lawmakers herald the judge's ruling as a significant win for workers and families, emphasizing its necessity in combating high energy bills.
During a hearing on Monday, Judge Lamberth emphasized the urgency, noting that the project is losing $2.3 million daily due to the delays, and that without timely completion, the project could face collapse as the specialized ship required would not be available until 2028. Over 1,000 workers are currently engaged in the project, which is approximately 80% completed.
Lamberth acknowledged the potential for irreparable harm to the plaintiffs and ruled that the project had shown a likelihood of success, saying that granting the injunction serves the public interest.
Interior Department spokesperson Elizabeth Peace confirmed that the court ruling allows construction to resume while the BOEM continues its investigation into the project's national security impacts. The administration had previously indicated that, despite approving the wind farm, ongoing collaboration with the Department of Defense to mitigate security concerns was necessary.
Orsted has expressed readiness to proceed with construction immediately, stressing their willingness to work collaboratively with the administration. Environmental advocates from groups like the Sierra Club welcomed the ruling, arguing that it highlights the illegality of the administration's efforts against clean energy. Meanwhile, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated that Trump's agenda to focus on energy dominance remains active.
Furthermore, Trump has vowed to end the offshore wind industry upon returning to office, favoring fossil fuel production. His administration's policies have resulted in the cessation of numerous offshore wind projects, as well as revocation of permits and funding for renewable energy initiatives.
The Revolution Wind project is set to be Rhode Island and Connecticut’s first large offshore wind farm, poised to provide electricity for more than 350,000 homes and meet approximately 2.5% of the region’s energy demands, a vital contribution amid rising energy costs. Local lawmakers herald the judge's ruling as a significant win for workers and families, emphasizing its necessity in combating high energy bills.
