Developers of several large-scale offshore wind projects along the East Coast are launching legal challenges against the Trump administration’s recent decision to suspend leases. The administration announced on December 22nd a pause of at least 90 days on the projects, citing national security concerns, though specifics have not been revealed.
Legal Battles Begin
Norwegian energy company Equinor and Danish company Orsted filed civil suits late Tuesday, seeking to overturn the order. Connecticut and Rhode Island filed a request Monday for a preliminary injunction related to a third project. Dominion Energy Virginia initiated the legal action, arguing the order is “arbitrary and capricious” and unconstitutional. Orsted is building Revolution Wind with Skyborn Renewables, who have also filed a complaint.
Empire Wind LLC has requested expedited consideration from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, stating the project faces “likely termination” if construction doesn’t resume by January 16th. The company cites disruptions to a carefully planned schedule and the limited availability of specialized vessels as key factors.
National Security Concerns
Interior Department spokesperson Matt Middleton stated Wednesday that President Trump has directed the agency to prioritize national defense alongside energy development and conservation. He characterized the pause as a “decisive step to protect America’s security, prevent conflicts with military readiness and maritime operations and ensure responsible stewardship of our oceans.” The administration maintains it “will not sacrifice national security or economic stability for projects that make no sense for America’s future.”
The halted projects include Vineyard Wind in Massachusetts, Revolution Wind in Rhode Island and Connecticut, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind in Virginia, and the Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind projects in New York, owned by Equinor and Orsted respectively.
Orsted asserts it has invested billions of dollars in Sunrise Wind based on validly issued permits and reports that weekly meetings with the Coast Guard throughout 2025, and recent meetings with other agencies, did not raise any national security issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What projects are affected by the administration’s order?
The leases for five offshore wind projects have been suspended: Vineyard Wind in Massachusetts, Revolution Wind in Rhode Island and Connecticut, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind in Virginia, Empire Wind, and Sunrise Wind in New York.
What is the basis for the administration’s decision?
The administration cites national security concerns as the reason for suspending the leases, but has not provided specific details regarding those concerns.
What is the potential impact on the developers?
Empire Wind LLC states its project faces “likely termination” if construction cannot resume by January 16th, citing financial and logistical challenges.
As these legal challenges unfold, the future of these offshore wind projects – and the broader development of renewable energy along the East Coast – remains uncertain.
