Connecticut and Rhode Island Sue Trump to Save Offshore Wind Farm

Post by : Avinab Raana

Photo : X / Electrek.co

Connecticut and Rhode Island Sue Trump to Save Offshore Wind Farm

In a significant legal move, Connecticut and Rhode Island have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to overturn a federal stop-work order that has halted construction on the nearly completed Revolution Wind offshore wind farm. The project, located 15 nautical miles off the coast of Rhode Island, is 80% complete and poised to provide clean energy to approximately 350,000 homes in the New England region.

Background of the Revolution Wind Project

Revolution Wind is a $6 billion initiative developed by Ørsted, a Danish renewable energy company, in partnership with Eversource Energy. Once operational, the wind farm is expected to generate 704 megawatts of electricity, significantly contributing to the region's renewable energy capacity. The project has already undergone extensive environmental reviews and has received all necessary state and federal permits. Construction began in 2024 and was progressing smoothly until the unexpected federal intervention.

The Federal Stop-Work Order

On August 22, 2025, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior, issued a stop-work order for the Revolution Wind project. The order cited "concerns" under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act but did not specify any legal violations or safety threats. This abrupt decision has raised questions about the administration's commitment to renewable energy development and its impact on state-level climate goals.

Legal Action Taken by the States

In response to the federal halt, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announced a lawsuit filed in federal court in Rhode Island. The lawsuit challenges the stop-work order, arguing that it violates the Administrative Procedure Act and exceeds the authority granted to BOEM under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. The complaint contends that the government's action is arbitrary, capricious, and undermines both states' legal and financial commitments to the project.

Statements from State Officials

Attorney General Tong criticized the administration's decision, stating, "Revolution Wind is fully permitted, nearly complete, and months from providing enough American-made, clean, affordable energy to power 350,000 homes. Now, with zero justification, Trump wants to mothball the project, send workers home, and saddle Connecticut families with millions of dollars in higher energy costs."

Attorney General Neronha expressed concerns about the broader implications of the stop-work order, noting, "With Revolution Wind, we have an opportunity to create good-paying jobs for Rhode Islanders, enhance energy reliability, and ensure energy cost savings while protecting our environment."

Political Reactions

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont emphasized the state's commitment to renewable energy, stating, "We hoped to work with the Administration to lower energy costs, strengthen grid reliability, create jobs, and drive economic growth, but only if they share those goals. But if they do not, we will act to preserve this vital project and protect the energy future of Connecticut and the entire New England region."

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) called the shutdown "insane, illogical, and illegal," while Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) questioned the administration's rationale, stating, "The Revolution Wind project has already made it through exhaustive reviews by multiple federal agencies, and I doubt Trump's flimsy excuses for scuttling this project will stand up to legal scrutiny."

Developer's Response

Danish renewable energy developer Ørsted, which owns a 50% share in Revolution Wind, has also filed a separate federal lawsuit seeking to restart construction on the blocked wind farm. The company argues that the stop-work order is unjustified and detrimental to the project's progress.

Implications for Renewable Energy in the U.S.

The halt of the Revolution Wind project is part of a broader trend of the Trump administration's actions against renewable energy initiatives. In May 2025, 17 states and Washington, D.C., sued the administration over its decision to block offshore wind projects, citing similar concerns about the impact on clean energy development and job creation. The ongoing legal battles highlight the tension between federal and state interests in advancing renewable energy projects.

The lawsuit filed by Connecticut and Rhode Island represents a significant challenge to the Trump administration's decision to halt the Revolution Wind project. The outcome of this legal action could have far-reaching implications for the future of offshore wind energy development in the United States and the federal-state dynamics in renewable energy policy.

Offshore wind farm, Rhode Island, Offshore wind farm