Judge Lifts Halt on Revolution Wind Project, Allowing Construction to Resume

A federal judge has lifted the stop-work order on the nearly complete Revolution Wind project, enabling construction to continue off the coasts of Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) had issued the stop-work order on August 22, citing unspecified national security concerns. This halt affected the project, which was 80% complete and had already incurred approximately $5 billion in expenditures. The developers, Danish energy company Ørsted and its partner Skyborn Renewables, filed a lawsuit challenging the order.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth granted a preliminary injunction, allowing construction to resume. He noted that the delays were costing $2.3 million per day and that missing project deadlines could jeopardize the entire enterprise. Lamberth stated, "There is no question in my mind of irreparable harm to the plaintiffs."

The Interior Department declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Ørsted announced plans to resume construction promptly.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong described the ruling as "a major win for workers and families," emphasizing the project's role in reducing energy costs. Representative Joe Courtney highlighted that the project, being 80% complete and fully permitted with Pentagon input, does not pose a national security issue.

Revolution Wind is set to be the first large offshore wind farm for Rhode Island and Connecticut, expected to supply about 2.5% of the region's electricity needs. Construction began in 2024, approximately 15 miles south of the Rhode Island coast. The developers estimate that canceling the project would result in over $1 billion in costs.

The Trump administration has taken steps to restrict offshore wind development, including halting construction on major projects, revoking permits, and canceling plans for new developments in federal waters.