WASHINGTON (AP) — In a pivotal decision for the offshore wind sector, a federal judge ruled Monday that the Revolution Wind project, nearly complete and critical to Rhode Island and Connecticut’s clean energy initiatives, can resume construction after being halted due to alleged national security issues.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) had issued a stop-work order on August 22 over concerns not detailed at that time, prompting immediate legal action from the project's developer, Danish energy company Orsted, along with joint venture partner Skyborn Renewables and the states involved.
During Monday's hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth expressed concern over the harm caused to the plaintiffs by the delay, noting the project was already 80% complete and incurring costs of approximately $2.3 million daily. The judge emphasized that failing to meet future deadlines could jeopardize the entire project, which heavily relies on specialized equipment only available for resumption after 2028.
There is no question in my mind of irreparable harm to the plaintiffs, Lamberth stated, granting a preliminary injunction and reinforcing the public interest in resuming the project.
Following the ruling, the Interior Department confirmed that construction could now proceed while the BOEM continues its review regarding potential national security implications.
Project advocates view the ruling as a significant step for clean energy, especially as the Revolution Wind project aims to provide power for over 350,000 homes, aligning with broader sustainability goals. Numerous local and regional leaders have lauded the decision, framing it as vital to tackling escalating energy bills and combating climate change.
Nancy Pyne of the Sierra Club criticized former President Trump's attempts to stifle the project, calling them reckless and harmful. Meanwhile, White House representatives reiterated their intention to prioritize energy policies that support traditional energy dominance.
Despite the administration’s previous stance against offshore wind development — which included halting numerous projects and not renewing federal permits — this ruling offers a new hope for the Revolution Wind initiative and the future of the offshore wind energy sector in the United States.
