State officials in Rhode Island and Connecticut are joining forces to fight a recently issued stop-work order. This command, particularly, from the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to the Revolution Wind project, a key offshore wind farm. Revolution Wind, located over 15 miles south of Rhode Island’s coast, 32 miles southeast of Connecticut’s coast, and 12 miles southwest of Martha’s Vineyard, is pivotal for the region’s renewable energy goals. We expect the project to be up and running by 2024. With it, we’ll be able to power more than 350,000 homes across both states.
Today Danish developer Ørsted has been leading the charge on the Revolution Wind project, which covers about 83,798 acres (33,912 hectares). As of the halt order, the construction was about 80% complete, with 45 of the planned 65 turbines already installed. This progress took an unexpected turn when BOEM ordered Ørsted to “suspend all active work” on the site.
The root cause of this stop-work order was an executive order from former President Donald Trump. It was notable that he issued it on the first day of his second term. This order calls for a review of Revolution Wind to consider “terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases.” Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont have shown they are serious about doing so. Their commitment to leave no stone unturned to try to reverse this decision.
“In particular, BOEM is seeking to address concerns related to the protection of national security interests in the United States,” – Matt Giacona
Green Oceans, an environmental non-profit organization, had sued in federal court last year to stop Revolution Wind on similar environmental grounds. They praised the recent decision to halt construction. The organization’s position highlights the difficult realities of developing clean energy projects and their environmental impacts.
Opponents of the order have expressed worries about the long-term repercussions on renewable energy projects. Kit Kennedy, a climate policy advocate with the Natural Resources Defense Council, cheered Congress’ reining in of the administration.
“This administration has it exactly backwards. It’s trying to prop up clunky, polluting coal plants while doing all it can to halt the fastest growing energy sources of the future – solar and wind power,” – Kit Kennedy
The Revolution Wind project carries great potential for Rhode Island and Connecticut, as their first commercial-scale offshore wind farm. Its finalization would be a major leap toward fulfilling renewable energy goals and moving away from dirty fossil fuels. These recent developments lead to some critical questions about the future of these projects in the United States. They make clear the continuing schism between environmentalism and the U.S. national security establishment.
“Unfortunately, every American is paying the price for these misguided decisions.” – Kit Kennedy
While state officials try to lift the stop-work order, they’re highlighting the cleaner energy transition that’s underway. Governor McKee noted that halting progress on Revolution Wind undermines efforts to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future for residents.
As state officials work to counter the stop-work order, they emphasize the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Governor McKee noted that halting progress on Revolution Wind undermines efforts to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future for residents.