Reaction to Trump Administration's pause in offshore wind-power development

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WJAR) — The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s stop-work order for the Revolution Wind project about 15 miles off Rhode Island’s coast is drawing a range of reactions from offshore wind supporters, opponents, and state lawmakers.

The more than $1 billion project is 80% complete with all foundations installed and 45 of 65 wind turbines installed, according to Orsted. Revolution Wind is a subsidiary of Orsted.

The project was set to be operational in 2026. According to Orsted, its goal was to generate power for 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

“It’s very disappointing that the Trump administration has chosen to assault this state and its energy future and its working people,” Christian Roselund with Climate Action RI said.

Roselund tells NBC 10 despite the stop-work order, he does not believe Revolution Wind is dead in the water.

“This delay means higher energy prices in the winter for people in Rhode Island and in New England,” Roselund said. “There is no valid significant environmental reason I have seen yet to oppose offshore wind.”

According to Roselund, the Revolution Wind project would drive down energy prices in Rhode Island by decreasing consumers’ dependence on natural gas. He also said Revolution Wind would play a critical role in allowing Rhode Island to reach its targets under the Act on Climate.

Meanwhile, longtime opponents of offshore wind farms are applauding the Trump administration’s stop-work order.

“This has been a long journey,” Bill Keogh said. “Three years of trying to fight the decision to grant the permits for these wind farms. It seems like now they’re finally reviewing the assumptions for the permitting which we think were flawed.”

Keogh lives in Jamestown and has watched vessels involved in the Revolution Wind project in the water there for the past several years. He spoke of several impacts he believes offshore wind projects like Revolution Wind are having.

“One is around national security,” Keough said. “Having all of these turbines out there in a very active area, given that we have the Navy here and the Coast Guard here is really quite dangerous. Second is commerce, you have a lot of fishing going on and you also have a lot of trade going through that area so very difficult for navigation. Third, for wildlife, whales and dolphin mortality is way up. We think all of those things need to be addressed.”

Rhode Island leaders including Governor Dan McKee, Attorney General Peter Neronha and the state’s congressional delegation are speaking out against the stop-work order.