Offshore Wind Developers Sue Trump Administration Over $25B Project Halt
Three offshore wind developers are suing after the Trump administration paused $25 billion in projects, hindering clean energy progress.
The companies, Ørsted and Equinor, filed two lawsuits last week. Ørsted is working on the Revolution Wind project, which is 704 megawatts. Equinor is developing the Empire Wind project, which is 2 gigawatts. Dominion Energy also filed a lawsuit. They are building a 2.6 gigawatt farm off Virginia’s coast.
Revolution Wind is almost 90% finished. Empire Wind and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind are about 60% done. Because of the halt, Dominion is losing $5 million each day.
Avangrid has Vineyard Wind 1 but hasn’t filed a lawsuit yet. Half of that project is up and running.
The Department of the Interior cited national security for stopping the projects. They did not give details but may be worried about how wind turbines affect radar. A report in February 2024 discussed this concern and offered solutions.
Wind turbines’ spinning blades can affect radar systems, but researchers have worked on solutions for over ten years. Choosing the right spot for wind energy projects can help reduce interference. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management checks each offshore project carefully. They try to resolve concerns about safety.
New radar systems can lessen the noise wind farms make. Vineyard Wind 1 has agreed to help with radar improvements and can reduce operations if the Pentagon asks.
Last year, the Trump administration also halted approvals for new offshore projects besides stopping Empire Wind and Revolution Wind. After negotiation, the work on Revolution Wind resumed when a judge overturned the halt order.