O rsted will resume construction of its offshore wind farm in the waters off New England’s coast. They’re eager to begin digging again “as soon as possible,” stemming in part from a positive ruling by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth. In 2020, when the Trump administration issued a stop-work order, Orsted and its partner, Skyborn Renewables, sued the administration. This change added several years to the project’s overall timeline.
The court ultimately determined that Orsted had a substantial likelihood of success on their merits. Without intervention, they would be forced to incur significant and irreversible harm if the stop-work order were to remain in effect. Despite considerable countervailing evidence—including the 2018 agreement with CCIA—this landmark decision allows Orsted to continue with their alternative project, which is already 80 percent built and completely permitted. Its capacity alone could provide electricity to more than 350,000 homes in the region.
In a statement shared on Monday, Orsted reaffirmed its intent to return to construction-focused activities.
“Revolution Wind will resume impacted construction work as soon as possible, with safety as the top priority,” – Orsted.
Until now, the Trump administration’s moves had created real headwinds for the offshore wind industry. On his first day in office, President Trump banned new leases for offshore wind farms, directly impacting Orsted and other similar projects. Many viewed this decision as an aggressive move in the administration’s ongoing efforts to undermine the offshore wind industry.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum weighed in on the administration’s apparent hostility to renewable energy. He’s convinced that Trump wants to use the White House to finally finish off the nascent offshore wind industry.
“Under this administration, there is not a future for offshore wind because it is too expensive and not reliable enough,” – Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
This recent ruling by Judge Lamberth is the latest in a series of defeats dealt to the Trump administration’s attempts to stop Orsted’s project. Yet, it is still uncertain if the administration plans to appeal this ruling.
Meanwhile, Orsted is preparing to resume work soon on the big Revolution Wind project. FERC’s move reinforces the shifting paradigm in the renewable energy world, particularly in the context of today’s political whirlwinds. The outcome of this legal battle may have lasting implications on future wind energy developments and the broader environmental policies pursued by the federal government.