Trump Administration Halts 704MW Revolution Wind Project Off New England

The Trump administration has issued a stop-work order on the Revolution Wind offshore wind project, citing national security concerns despite the project having received prior approvals under the Biden administration. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) referenced an executive order signed by President Trump aimed at suppressing the offshore wind industry, leading to a review of the project which is already 80% complete with 45 of 65 turbines installed. Revolution Wind, a 704-megawatt array off the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut, was expected to power over 350,000 homes and create union jobs, but the halt has sparked criticism from Senator Richard Blumenthal who called the cancellation arbitrary and a setback for clean energy and workers. Ørsted, the Danish company behind the project, is considering all options including legal action to resolve the issue expeditiously, while analyzing the financial implications. The BOEM's concerns relate to the protection of U.S. national security interests and preventing interference with reasonable uses of maritime zones. The future of the project and its expected operational date in 2026 remain uncertain amid ongoing government scrutiny and opposition from some fishing industry groups.