Wind farm off RI coast can continue construction

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction on the Revolution Wind project is to resume following a ruling by a U.S. District Court judge for the District of Columbia, who blocked a renewed effort by the Trump administration to halt the offshore wind development.

The ruling allows the nearly completed project to move forward and remain on track to deliver electricity to Rhode Island and Connecticut later this year.

Senior Judge Royce Lamberth ruled in Washington that federal officials failed to justify why halting construction entirely on the Revolution Wind project was necessary while they review potential national security issues, adding that the government also fell short in explaining why it abruptly reversed course.

Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse welcomed the decision, saying efforts to stop offshore wind delay lower-cost energy and keep consumers reliant on fossil fuels. Trump has repeatedly targeted offshore wind projects nationwide, despite previous court rulings rejecting similar actions.

A prior attempt to stop Revolution Wind was overturned last year following legal challenges brought by Rhode Island, Connecticut, and project developer Ørsted. With the latest ruling in place, construction crews are expected to return to work immediately.

The issue has also drawn attention to Whitehouse’s family ties to environmental advocacy. His wife, Sandra Whitehouse, runs a nonprofit consulting firm that has received millions of dollars over the years for advising environmental and conservation-focused organizations on ocean policy and climate-related issues, according to public disclosures. Supporters point to her decades of experience in marine protection, while critics say the connection adds another layer of scrutiny as the national debate over offshore wind and clean energy continues.