Danish Company Fights Back Against Trump Administration's Stop-Work Order

Revolution Wind is a landmark offshore wind energy project jointly developed by Ørsted, a global clean energy leader, and Global Infrastructure Partners’ Skyborn Renewables. It is the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm serving Rhode Island and Connecticut, located about 15 miles south of the Rhode Island coast and 32 miles southeast of Connecticut, with 65 wind turbines planned to generate 704 megawatts (MW) of clean energy[1][2][6]. The project began local onshore construction in 2023 with offshore construction starting in 2024, aiming for full operation by 2026. Once operational, Revolution Wind will supply 400 MW to Rhode Island and 304 MW to Connecticut, powering over 350,000 homes across the two states. This represents the first multi-state offshore wind venture in the United States, playing a critical role in helping these states meet ambitious clean energy goals: Rhode Island targets 100% renewable electricity by 2033, and Connecticut aims for 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040[1][2][3]. Revolution Wind is not only an energy project but also a major economic driver. It is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, support new education and training programs (including a GWO safety training center at the Community College of Rhode Island), and expand the blue economy supply chain. The project received all necessary federal and state permits after nearly a decade of review and secured 20-year power purchase agreements approved by regulatory authorities, ensuring stable and affordable clean energy for ratepayers while reducing dependency on natural gas and mitigating energy price spikes in New England[1][2][3][5]. However, in August 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a stop-work order halting offshore activities due to federal appropriations issues. At that time, the project was about 80% complete offshore, with all foundations installed and 45 o

The **Trump Administration** refers to the executive branch of the United States government under President Donald J. Trump, covering two non-consecutive periods: his first term from 2017 to 2021 and his second term beginning in 2025. As an organization, it is responsible for executing federal laws, shaping public policy, and managing national affairs during its tenure. During the **first Trump Administration (2017–2021)**, the administration pursued a wide-ranging agenda focused on immigration reform, economic nationalism, deregulation, judiciary appointments, and foreign policy shifts. Key actions included building and expanding the U.S.-Mexico border wall—completing 458 miles by January 2021—and implementing strict immigration policies such as travel bans from several predominantly Muslim countries and rescinding the DAPA amnesty program[2]. The administration withdrew the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, renegotiated NAFTA into the USMCA, and signed the "Buy American and Hire American" executive order to prioritize American workers[1][3][5]. Judicially, Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—significantly influencing the federal judiciary with over 200 judicial appointments[5]. The administration also focused on military expansion, combating ISIS, addressing the opioid crisis, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with vaccine development support[5]. Foreign policy was marked by controversial decisions including troop withdrawals from northern Syria, reinforced support for Saudi Arabia, and tensions with Iran and North Korea[4]. The administration faced two impeachments: first in 2019 over Ukraine dealings and again in 2021 following the January Capitol riot; Trump was acquitted by the Senate both times[4][5]. After losing the 2020 election, Trump returned for a **second term starting in 2025**, continuing his policy priorities with new regulatory changes and political appointments[6][8]. The Trump Administration

The **Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)** is a U.S. Department of the Interior agency established in 2010 to oversee the responsible development of offshore energy and mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM’s mission centers on ensuring that offshore oil, gas, renewable energy, and mineral resources are developed safely, sustainably, and with minimal environmental impact[1][4][7]. BOEM was created by dividing the former Minerals Management Service into three entities to improve regulatory focus and safety. It manages about 2,674 active leases covering over 14 million acres, with OCS production contributing roughly 18% of the nation’s crude oil and 4% of domestic natural gas supply, principally from the Gulf of Mexico[2][5]. Beyond fossil fuels, BOEM plays a leading role in offshore renewable energy, especially wind power, managing an expanding portfolio of offshore wind leases primarily on the U.S. East Coast, aligning with national efforts to advance clean energy[2][5]. Key BOEM functions include resource evaluation, environmental impact assessments, lease planning and issuance, and regulatory monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental laws. The agency also oversees non-energy marine minerals like sand and gravel and supports carbon sequestration initiatives[1][3][4][7]. BOEM’s environmental program emphasizes science-based policy, stakeholder engagement, and coordination with tribes and other agencies to balance energy development with ecosystem protection[5][7]. A notable aspect of BOEM’s work is its membership in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), collaborating internationally on marine spatial planning, oil spill prevention, and environmental law[1]. It also maintains records of historic shipwrecks on the OCS to protect cultural heritage during offshore development[4]. With a budget of nearly $190 million and around 600 staff, BOEM is pivotal in harmonizing U.S. energy security, economic development, and environmental stewardship on the nation’s offshor