Wind turbine components sit at New London State Pier, April 16, 2025, London. AP Photo
A major offshore wind project off the coasts of Rhode Island and Connecticut faces an uncertain future after the Trump administration abruptly ordered construction to stop. The move has sparked strong opposition from Democratic governors, lawmakers, and union workers, who are calling for the decision to be reversed immediately.
The project, known as Revolution Wind, is nearly 80% complete. Developers had already installed 45 of 65 turbines and finished all underwater foundations. The farm was expected to deliver clean energy to more than 350,000 homes across the region at a locked-in rate cheaper than the New England average.
Administration Cites National Security Concerns
Last week, the federal government announced it was halting construction to review possible national security concerns. No further details were provided. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management declined to elaborate on the decision. In a separate filing, the bureau also indicated plans to withdraw prior approval of a Maryland offshore wind project by September 12.
Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, rejected the explanation. “It’s not about national security. It’s about the president’s insecurity,” Reed said, pointing out that the Defense Department had already reviewed the project for potential conflicts with military operations.
Governors, Workers Demand Action
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee denounced the move during a rally in North Kingstown, where the project’s logistics hub is based. “It’s an attack on our jobs, our energy, and our families’ ability to pay bills,” McKee said. He was joined by the state’s entire congressional delegation.
Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, spoke directly to the president: “We’re going to fight you every step of the way no matter how long it takes.”
At the same time, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. senators from the state addressed workers at State Pier in New London, where turbine components are stored before being transported offshore.
Workers Fear Job Losses
The halt has already left hundreds of workers uncertain about their future. North America’s Building Trades Unions estimated that nearly 1,000 jobs were lost with the stroke of a pen.
Among those impacted are local workers like Xiomara Lux, who now worries about whether she will have a job. Antonio Gianfrancesco expressed concern about paying bills and supporting his family. Another worker, Lucialino Gomes, called the position the best job he’s ever had.
Tony Vaz, a rope access technician, urged officials to keep fighting. “We need to get out there and keep working,” he said.
Renewable Energy Goals at Risk
Revolution Wind, led by Danish energy company Orsted, was designed as the first large-scale offshore wind project for Rhode Island and Connecticut. Officials warned that stopping it now threatens state climate targets and could drive electricity costs higher across the region.
The project site is more than 15 miles off Rhode Island, 32 miles southeast of Connecticut, and 12 miles from Martha’s Vineyard. Rhode Island already hosts the Block Island Wind Farm, the nation’s first offshore wind site.
The Trump administration has taken repeated steps to limit renewable projects while prioritizing fossil fuels. It previously blocked New York’s Empire Wind project, though construction resumed earlier this year after political intervention.
For now, Orsted is evaluating the financial damage from the sudden stoppage and considering legal options.
