The Trump administration struck another blow against the growth of offshore wind energy, ordering a project off the Rhode Island coast to halt work while federal officials look into unspecified “concerns that have arisen.”In a letter Friday to Ørsted North America Inc., Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Acting Director Matthew Giacona said his directive applies to the Revolution Wind project and stems from a Jan. 20 memorandum from President Donald Trump.”BOEM is seeking to address concerns related to the protection of national security interests of the United States and prevention of interference with reasonable uses of the exclusive economic zone, the high seas, and the territorial seas” as described in the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the letter said.Giacona’s letter referenced Part 585 regulations which require, among other things, that lessees submit information on social and economic conditions, including recreational and commercial fishing that could be affected by offshore wind energy activities, and mitigation measures pertaining to environmental impacts.”Revolution Wind is complying with the order and is taking appropriate steps to stop offshore activities, ensuring the safety of workers and the environment,” Ørsted said in a statement responding to the directive.The project received final federal approval from BOEM in 2024 and is 80% complete, with all foundations installed and 45 out of 65 wind turbines installed, the company said.Ørsted said it was evaluating options including engagement with permitting agencies and potential litigation. The company said it hopes to resolve the matter “expeditiously,” noting the project had secured all required federal and state permits following reviews that began more than nine years ago.BOEM said an appeal of its directive must be filed with the agency within 60 days and that project activities may not resume until the agency “has completed its necessary review.”Revolution Wind has 20-year power purchase agreements to deliver 400 MW of electricity to Rhode Island and 304 MW to Connecticut, enough to power over 350,000 homes across both states.
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