A federal judge granted an emergency injunction Monday ordering the government to lift its stop-work order on Revolution Wind, a nearly complete offshore wind project. The ruling allows construction crews to return to the 700-megawatt facility after a month-long shutdown.
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that Revolution Wind LLC demonstrated a likelihood of success in its challenge against an August stop-work order by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
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In court documents, Ørsted, the company behind Revolution Wind, said the shutdown was costing $2.3 million per day. The judge determined that Revolution Wind “is likely to suffer irreparable harm in the absence of an injunction” and that “maintaining the status quo by granting the injunction is in the public interest.”
The legal decision is the latest chapter in a conflict between supporters of offshore wind development and the Trump administration.
The wind industry has argued that offshore wind projects will support the grid with emissions-free electricity while creating jobs. Trump administration officials have criticized offshore wind as too expensive and unreliable.
Offshore wind permits and lease sales for future projects have already been revoked, but the ruling sends a signal that there are limits on what actions the administration can take to freeze ongoing construction.
What does this mean for the wind industry?
After BOEM issued a stop-work order, Ørsted filed a lawsuit against the bureau, which is part of the U.S. Interior Department. The injunction allows construction to continue until the court makes a final ruling. It’s a rare sign of relief for an industry facing mounting pressure from the Trump administration’s broader opposition.
Ørsted’s stock, which hit an all-time low following the stop-work order, rose 8% following news of the court decision. About 1,000 union workers who were laid off when construction halted will be able to return to their jobs.
Democratic lawmakers also praised the decision. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on social media that “we will not stop fighting to bring renewable sources onto the grid to decrease your energy costs while putting thousands of Americans to work.”
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont called the court ruling “extremely encouraging for workers and our energy future,” saying the state will “continue to engage with the federal government on a durable path forward for this project.”
What’s next for Revolution Wind?
Ørsted can resume construction on Revolution Wind immediately while the broader legal challenge continues. The company said it will “resume impacted construction work as soon as possible, with safety as the top priority,” according to a statement shared Monday.
Ørsted said Revolution Wind “will continue to seek to work collaboratively with the US Administration and other stakeholders toward a prompt resolution.”
The federal government can appeal the injunction ruling, though it has not yet indicated any next steps. The Interior Department did not respond to a request for comment from Straight Arrow News.
