Construction has restarted on a U.S. offshore wind energy project after Denmark’s Orsted determined it could proceed, even amid the Trump administration’s ongoing legal efforts to halt it permanently.
This decision, announced on Monday, is a significant moment for President Trump. Administration attorneys had argued that the project, located about 15 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, did not meet certain permit requirements.
A stop-work order was issued on August 22 due to findings from the U.S. Energy Management Agency. At the time, the project was largely advanced—foundations were 80% complete, and 45 out of 65 wind turbines had been installed.
Connecticut’s Democratic Governor Ned Lamont expressed his support on X, stating on Tuesday that once completed, the project will provide power for approximately 350,000 homes, reduce energy costs, create numerous jobs, and contribute to a cleaner energy future.
This project, which is positioned to usher in a new chapter for renewable energy in the U.S., involves a substantial investment—around $5 billion—by Orsted and its partner Skyborn Renewables. If the project were to be canceled, the companies would face potential costs exceeding $1 billion.
A spokesperson for the White House noted that Trump was elected with a mandate to terminate such projects, while emphasizing the importance of restoring and controlling the nation’s energy resources effectively.
The spokesperson also commented that this ruling is not the final word on the matter.
