Construction begins on the United States’ first offshore wind farm on Block Island off the Rhode Island coast on July 27, 2015. On Friday, the Trump administration issued a stop-work order on the Revolution Wind project, also off the coast of Rhode Island, over “the protection of national security interest of the United States.” File Photo by Department of the Interior/UPI
Aug. 25 (UPI) — The Trump administration has issued a stop-work order, over national security concerns, on a nearly completed offshore wind project that would power Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Danish wind developer Orsted was ordered Friday to stop construction on its Revolution Wind offshore project to “address concerns related to the protection of national security interest of the United States,” according to the acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Matthew Giacona, who provided no additional details.
Construction on the $1.5 billion project, which is located in federal waters about 15 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, is about 80% complete with 45 of the 65 turbines installed, according to Orsted. The company’s shares dropped 17% on Monday, following the announcement.
“Orsted is evaluating all options to resolve the matter expeditiously,” the company said. “This includes engagement with relevant permitting agencies for any necessary clarification or resolution as well as through potential legal proceedings, with the aim being to proceed with continued project construction towards a commercial operations date in the second half of 2026.”
The Trump administration’s stop-work order drew a strong response from Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, a Democrat, who called it a “political move.”
“The Trump administration’s stop-work order on Revolution Wind undermines efforts to expand our energy supply, lower costs for families and businesses, and strengthen regional reliability,” McKee said.
In April, the Trump administration issued a stop-work order on the Empire Wind 1 project off New York. That project was allowed to move forward after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul negotiated a natural gas compromise.
“Americans who live in New York and New England would see significant economic benefits and lower utility costs from increased access to reliable, affordable, clean American natural gas,” Interior secretary Doug Burgum said.
Once completed in 2027, Empire Wind 1 — located off Long Island — will become the first offshore wind project to deliver electricity directly to New York City.
Throughout his campaign, President Donald Trump was clear about his opposition to wind power as he pushed for offshore fossil fuel production instead. After taking office in January, Trump signed an executive order, banning new leases for offshore wind in U.S. waters.