Federal judge lifts administration halt of offshore wind farm in New England
6 hours ago
- #Renewable Energy
- #Trump Administration
- #Legal Battle
- A federal judge ruled to lift the Trump administration's halt on the nearly complete Revolution Wind offshore wind project, allowing construction to resume.
- The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management had paused the project citing unspecified national security concerns, leading to lawsuits from the developer and states.
- Judge Royce Lamberth granted a preliminary injunction, citing irreparable harm to the plaintiffs and public interest, with delays costing $2.3 million daily.
- The project, 80% complete, involves over 1,000 workers and risks collapse if not finished by December due to specialized ship unavailability until 2028.
- The Interior Department stated the project can resume while investigations into national security impacts continue, but claims mitigation concerns remain unaddressed.
- Orsted, the developer, plans to resume construction and collaborate with the administration, while environmental groups criticize Trump's opposition to renewable energy.
- Trump's administration has actively opposed offshore wind, halting projects, revoking permits, and canceling federal funding, aiming to prioritize fossil fuels.
- Revolution Wind is set to be the first large offshore wind farm for Rhode Island and Connecticut, powering over 350,000 homes.
- State officials and lawmakers praised the court's decision, emphasizing the project's economic and energy benefits, while dismissing national security concerns.