According to recent reports, the attorneys general of Connecticut and Rhode Island are ramping up their legal efforts against the Trump administration’s sudden suspension of the Revolution Wind offshore energy initiative. They have filed for a preliminary injunction to counter what they label a “groundless stop work order” issued last month.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha initially took legal action on September 4 in U.S. District Court for Rhode Island, aiming to overturn this directive. Their latest filing emphasizes the “immediate and irreparable harm” that halting construction poses to Connecticut, urging judicial intervention so work can resume while the case is ongoing.
The Revolution Wind project is situated about fifteen nautical miles off Rhode Island’s coast and was nearing completion with around 80% of its infrastructure finished—this includes all foundations laid and 45 out of 65 wind turbines already installed. Once operational in 2026, it is projected to generate enough electricity for approximately 350,000 homes, contributing about 2.5% of New England’s energy supply.
“Families in Connecticut depend on getting Revolution Wind back on track immediately,” stated Attorney General Tong. “Every day that this project remains inactive translates into job losses and higher energy costs while we continue relying on fossil fuels when clean energy solutions are within reach.”
“We cannot afford any delays; that’s why we’re asking the court for swift action,” added Neronha from Rhode Island. “Since this unexpected halt was imposed without prior notice or justification, residents have been left in a state of uncertainty.”
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) ordered Ørsted’s Revolution Wind project to cease all offshore activities as part of a broader review initiated by a presidential memorandum from January 2025 that paused federal approvals for wind projects due to national security concerns.
This joint venture between Ørsted and Global Infrastructure Partners’ Skyborn Renewables had successfully navigated through nearly a decade-long regulatory process before receiving full approval last November for its Construction and Operations Plan. The initiative has secured long-term power purchase agreements amounting to deliver significant capacity—400 MW specifically allocated for Rhode Island and an additional 304 MW earmarked for Connecticut.
This week saw government officials request that a judge reject Revolution Wind’s plea for an injunction by arguing insufficient details were provided regarding potential financial impacts or construction timelines necessary to warrant such extraordinary measures.
Ørsted CFO Trond Westlie reaffirmed their commitment: “Our priority is resuming work on Revolution Wind at the earliest opportunity; we are actively pursuing multiple avenues toward achieving that goal.”
The ongoing legal disputes highlight claims from both states as well as revolution wind proponents who argue that abruptly halting construction after extensive collaboration with federal authorities infringes upon constitutional due process rights—a situation reminiscent of previous challenges faced by other renewable projects under similar circumstances.
This scenario echoes earlier issues encountered by Equinor’s Empire Wind project earlier this year when it experienced temporary stoppages leading to substantial financial repercussions totaling $763 million related impairments reported by Equinor itself.
