Trump Halts Nearly Completed $4 Billion Revolution Wind Project Citing National Security

The Trump administration has issued a stop-work order on Ørsted’s Revolution Wind project, an offshore wind farm that is approximately 80% complete and located 15 miles off the coast of Rhode Island [2]. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) cited unspecified “national security interests” and the need to “prevent interference with the exclusive economic zone, the high seas, and the territorial seas” [2]. The decision has sparked widespread criticism from state and federal officials, environmental advocates, and industry leaders, who argue it undermines progress on clean energy and jeopardizes jobs.

Revolution Wind, a $4 billion project, had already installed 45 of its 65 turbines and was on track to become the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm in Rhode Island and Connecticut [1]. The project was expected to power more than 350,000 homes and reduce over one million metric tons of carbon emissions annually [2]. It was also aligned with the states’ ambitious climate goals, including Rhode Island’s 100% renewable target by 2033 and Connecticut’s zero-carbon electricity grid by 2040 [2]. The project had already secured 20-year power-purchase agreements with local utilities in 2019.

State officials have strongly condemned the decision. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee called the order arbitrary and politically motivated, warning it threatens hundreds of jobs and delays clean energy progress [2]. Senator Richard Blumenthal stated that the decision “defies all logic and reason,” noting the project had already employed hundreds of skilled tradespeople [2]. Senator Chris Murphy accused the administration of favoring the oil and gas industry and hinted at corruption, vowing to pursue legal options to restart the project [2].

Industry and environmental leaders have also criticized the move. The National Ocean Industries Association, which supports offshore wind, gas, and oil, noted that the U.S. currently has only one large-scale offshore wind project in operation and stressed the need for diverse energy sources [2]. The Natural Resources Defense Council called the decision “misguided,” stating it harms energy security and raises costs for American families [2]. Meanwhile, Green Oceans, a nonprofit that opposes offshore wind, supported the BOEM decision, claiming it protects the fragile ocean environment [2].

Ørsted has confirmed it is complying with the order and has taken steps to ensure worker safety and environmental protections [2]. The company had recently raised $9.4 billion through a rights offering amid investor concerns over the administration’s anti-renewable energy stance [2]. The project was expected to be fully operational in 2025, but with construction halted, its future is now in question.

The decision adds to a pattern of regulatory uncertainty under the Trump administration, which has increasingly scrutinized offshore wind developments. This is the second major offshore wind project to be halted, following the temporary stop-work order on Empire Wind off the coast of New York [2]. The lack of a clear and consistent energy policy has raised concerns among developers about the long-term viability of large-scale clean energy projects in the U.S.

Sources:

[1] Fortune

https://fortune.com/2025/08/23/trump-new-england-offshore-revolution-wind-project-national-security/

[2] CT News Junkie

https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2025/08/23/despite-4-billion-already-invested-in-nearly-complete-project-trump-shuts-down-revolution-wind/

[3] Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-orders-orsted-halt-offshore-wind-project-deepening-industry-woes-2025-08-22/