Construction Halt Ordered by Trump Administration on Nearly Complete Wind Farm

President Trump's longstanding opposition to wind power reaches a new level.

The current U.S. administration has directed the suspension of construction on a nearly finalized wind energy facility located off the Rhode Island coastline.

Matthew Giacona, the acting head of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, communicated to Ørsted, the Danish company involved, that the project’s halt is due to the need to ensure national security interests are protected. Alongside Ørsted, the project involves Global Infrastructure Partners.

Recently, the Trump administration's decision to cease work on the Revolution Wind initiative marks its continued focus on regulating the renewable energy sector. In past actions, the President has voiced criticism of wind power and issued limitations on new offshore wind developments, while the IRS has tightened regulations, complicating qualification for federal tax benefits. An inquiry was made into whether importing wind turbine parts posed any national security risk.

Ørsted considers all avenues to quickly address the situation, including legal measures.

Situated 15 miles from Rhode Island, the project is in federal waters. Its construction, initiated in 2023, aims to deliver energy to areas of Rhode Island and Connecticut by the following year.

Erik Milito of the National Ocean Industries Association, a group with ties to both wind and fossil fuel companies, warned of potential domino effects impacting jobs, contracts, and communities if uncertainties persist at this stage.

Milito highlighted that with only one large-scale offshore wind project operating in the U.S., more energy sources are needed to satisfy growing consumption, emphasizing diversity in energy production including traditional oil, wind, and emerging technologies.

The Bureau did not respond to queries regarding their stance.

Experts warn that capping renewable energy growth amid climbing power demands could escalate electricity costs nationwide.

Jason Grumet from American Clean Power criticized the administration's halt on Revolution Wind, stating this sends a negative message about the reliability of U.S. investments in long-term energy infrastructure.

Previously, in April, the Interior Department paused an offshore project located by Long Island, citing insufficient bases for its approval.

Although Empire Wind construction resumed post-stop order, its developers, Equinor of Norway, faced significant costs, increased nearly $1 billion due to new U.S. regulations affecting offshore wind projects.

According to Liz Burdock of Oceantic Network, the federal halt on the nearly finished wind project not only impacts the fiscal trust in U.S. markets but impairs progress towards various national goals like industrial revitalization and energy sovereignty.

Burdock suggests that stopping the Revolution Wind construction will potentially raise consumer energy prices, sideline Gulf Coast operators' investments in vessel improvements, and potentially harm union jobs.