Federal Judge Allows Revolution Wind Project to Resume, Overruling Trump Administration
In a significant legal victory for renewable energy, a federal judge has granted Orsted, a Danish offshore wind developer, permission to resume work on the nearly completed Revolution Wind project off the coast of Rhode Island. The decision reverses a halt ordered last month by the Trump administration, which cited national security concerns.
The Court's Decision and Its Implications
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth issued a preliminary injunction, effectively blocking the Trump administration from enforcing its stop-work order. Lamberth, appointed by Republican President Ronald Reagan, criticized the administration's contradictory reasoning and described the explanations as "the height of arbitrary and capricious” government conduct. The judge emphasized that Revolution Wind had reasonably relied on government assurances, and halting the project imperiled a $5 billion investment. The project is located 15 miles off the coast.
Orsted's U.S.-listed shares rose nearly 9% following the ruling. The U.S. Interior Department stated it will continue to review the project even as construction proceeds. An Interior spokesperson said the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) continues its investigation into possible impacts by the project to national security.
Revolution Wind: A Critical Project for Rhode Island and Connecticut
The Revolution Wind project, a joint venture between Orsted and Skyborn Renewables, is crucial for Rhode Island and Connecticut's clean energy goals. Once completed, the wind farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power 350,000 homes in both states, supplying approximately 2.5% of the region's electricity needs. The project is approximately 80% complete. Concerns arose when the specialized ship needed to complete the project would not be available until at least 2028 if delayed beyond December.
Judge Lamberth stated that the potential collapse of the project would cause "irreparable harm" to the plaintiffs. Orsted stated construction will resume as soon as possible, with safety as the top priority.
Reactions and Political Context
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont praised the ruling, stating it was “extremely encouraging for workers and our energy future.” Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha also lauded the decision, emphasizing its positive impact on workers and families needing affordable energy. Connecticut Rep. Joe Courtney criticized the halt, asserting a fully permitted, multibillion-dollar project should not be considered a national security problem.
The Trump administration's efforts to block offshore wind expansion have faced increasing scrutiny. Trump had vowed to end the offshore wind industry and prioritize fossil fuels. His administration has stopped construction on major offshore wind farms, revoked wind energy permits, paused permitting, canceled plans to use large areas of federal waters for new offshore wind development and stopped $679 million in federal funding for a dozen offshore wind projects.
