The Trump administration has ordered construction to stop on the nearly finished Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island, dealing another blow to the U.S. offshore wind industry.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said the pause was needed to “address concerns related to the protection of national security interests,” but did not specify what those concerns were.

Project 80% Complete

Developed by Danish company Orsted, Revolution Wind is about 80% built, with 45 of 65 turbines already installed. The project had cleared years of federal and state reviews and was expected to be fully operational in 2026, powering more than 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Strong Pushback from States

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont vowed to fight the decision, calling the project crucial to meeting regional climate goals. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal called the halt “a major setback” and promised to challenge it.

Trump’s Energy Agenda

President Donald Trump has prioritized fossil fuels while attacking renewable projects, recently calling wind and solar “THE SCAM OF THE CENTURY!” on social media. His administration has already halted one other offshore project, New York’s Empire Wind, before later allowing it to resume.

Industry and Environmental Response

Scientists say renewable energy is vital to combating climate change. Critics argue the administration is undermining progress while propping up coal. Kit Kennedy of the Natural Resources Defense Council said, “Every American is paying the price for these misguided decisions.”

Meanwhile, the group Green Oceans praised the halt, saying it would help protect the fragile marine environment.

For more on the Trump administration, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.