In a significant legal move, Rhode Island and Connecticut have decided to challenge the Trump administration’s decision to halt the Revolution Wind project, a major renewable energy initiative off the northeastern coast of the United States. The states announced their intention to sue on Thursday morning, claiming the stoppage was unjustified.
“This kind of erratic and reckless governing is blatantly illegal, and we’re suing to stop it,” stated Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. His sentiments were echoed by Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who criticized the administration’s stance on offshore wind. According to Whitehouse, the move threatens to increase energy costs, eliminate jobs, and exacerbate climate change, benefiting only “corrupt fossil fuel donors” who supported Trump’s campaign.
The Revolution Wind project, located 15 miles south of Rhode Island and 32 miles southeast of Connecticut, is a joint venture between Danish energy firm Ørsted and German developer Skyborn Renewables. With construction 80% complete and all necessary permits secured, the project promises to significantly contribute to the New England energy grid, powering 350,000 homes and reducing Rhode Island’s emissions by 11 million metric tons.
On the same day as the states’ announcement, Ørsted and Skyborn filed their own lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. The companies argue that the stop-work order lacks statutory authority and evidentiary basis. They are seeking a preliminary injunction to resume the project.
The halt is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to curtail offshore wind energy, with instructions given to various federal agencies, including some not typically involved in energy matters, to impede the sector’s progress, as reported by the New York Times.
If brought online, the project will not only provide a substantial portion of the region’s electricity but also support job creation and energy savings, as highlighted by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, noted that over 1,000 union workers have been employed through the project, and the stop-work order has left many of them, including Trump voters, frustrated.
The Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) issued the stop-work order on August 22, citing vague concerns without identifying legal violations or safety threats. The Interior Department has declined to comment on the litigation.
Revolution Wind, a 50/50 collaboration between Ørsted and Skyborn, has already invested approximately $5 billion in the project and warns of an additional $1 billion in costs if the order remains. Delays could extend the project’s timeline by at least a year, or potentially risk its cancellation due to the limited availability of specialized construction vessels.
Despite previous criticism of wind energy by the Trump administration, which it has labeled as unattractive and costly, Revolution Wind was on track for completion next year. Ørsted recently announced plans to raise 60 billion Danish crowns ($9.41 billion) through a rights issue to support the project.
Original Story at www.theguardian.com