Construction on the nearly finished New England offshore wind project ceased under Trump's administration
The U.S. Department of the Interior issued a stop order to the Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island on Friday, September 1, 2023, citing U.S. national security concerns. This decision has sparked criticism from Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, and Kit Kennedy, managing director for the power division at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
The Revolution Wind project, located more than 15 miles south of the Rhode Island coast, 32 miles southeast of the Connecticut coast, and 12 miles southwest of Martha's Vineyard, was expected to be the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm for the densely populated states. With 45 of its 65 turbines already installed, the project is about 80% complete and was expected to power more than 350,000 homes.
The order did not specify what the national security concerns are. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, which issued the order, stated that it was necessary to review the project and "address concerns related to the protection of national security interests of the United States."
Green Oceans, a nonprofit that opposes the offshore wind industry, applauded the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's decision. On the other hand, Erik Milito, president of the National Ocean Industries Assn., which supports offshore oil, gas, and wind energy, expressed disappointment.
The National Ocean Industries Assn. supports offshore oil and gas, in addition to wind energy. However, wind power is already the largest source of renewable energy in the U.S., providing about 10% of the electricity generated nationwide. This fact, combined with scientists' agreement that nations need to rapidly embrace renewable energy to stave off the worst effects of climate change, has led to criticism of the Trump administration's decision.
President Trump has expressed negative sentiments towards renewable energy, calling wind and solar power "THE SCAM OF THE CENTURY!" and vowing not to approve wind or solar projects. This stance has been reflected in the administration's actions, as construction on the Revolution Wind offshore wind project and the Empire Wind offshore wind project off New York have both been halted.
However, construction on Empire Wind was allowed to resume after intervention by New York Sen. Chuck Schumer and Gov. Kathy Hochul. This suggests a growing recognition of the importance of renewable energy and the potential economic benefits that offshore wind projects can bring.
The AP writes this report, with contributions from Jennifer McDermott in Providence, R.I., and Matthew Daly in Washington. As the debate over offshore wind energy continues, it remains to be seen how the Revolution Wind project will proceed.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
