A federal judge has overturned the Trump administration’s recent suspension of the $6.2 billion Revolution Wind project, allowing construction to resume off the coast of Rhode Island. The ruling, issued Monday by Judge Royce Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, found the Interior Department’s decision to halt the project was made without sufficient justification.
Background: The Trump Administration’s Halt
Last month, the Trump administration abruptly ordered a halt to work on Revolution Wind and four other offshore wind projects along the East Coast, citing vague “national security concerns.” This move sparked immediate legal challenges from multiple states and project developers. The Revolution Wind case was the first to reach a court decision.
The Judge’s Ruling
Judge Lamberth described the Interior Department’s suspension order as “arbitrary and capricious,” a violation of federal law. The judge emphasized that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) failed to provide a clear explanation of how the project posed a security risk or why stopping construction would address those concerns.
“Purportedly new classified information does not constitute a sufficient explanation for the bureau’s decision to entirely stop work on the Revolution Wind project,” Judge Lamberth stated in court.
The decision is a temporary win for Orsted, the Danish energy giant behind Revolution Wind, and for the broader offshore wind industry. Construction can now proceed while legal challenges against the Trump administration continue.
Why This Matters
This case highlights a larger trend: the Trump administration’s repeated efforts to undermine renewable energy projects approved under the Biden administration. The abrupt halt of multiple wind farms raised concerns about political interference in energy development and the stability of long-term infrastructure projects.
The move also raises questions about the definition of “national security” in this context, as no concrete evidence has been publicly released to support the administration’s claims. The fact that a Reagan-appointed judge overturned the suspension suggests the administration’s rationale did not hold up under legal scrutiny.
Next Steps
Orsted has announced plans to resume construction “as soon as possible,” aiming to deliver power to the Northeast. The Interior Department has yet to comment on the ruling.
The litigation against the Trump administration will continue, with the outcome potentially setting a precedent for future challenges to politically motivated suspensions of approved energy projects.
This ruling underscores the importance of clear legal justification when federal agencies take action that disrupts major infrastructure projects.
