US Judge allows Trump-halted offshore wind project to resume construction

A federal judge granted Monday a request from Danish offshore wind developer Orsted, to resume work on the nearly completed Revolution Wind project. The Trump administration had halted this project last month.

This ruling is a setback to Trump who had sought to stop the expansion of offshore wind power in U.S. water. Attorneys from the administration argued that this project off the coast of Rhode Island did not comply with certain conditions of its permit.

U.S. district judge Royce Lamberth stated during a hearing in Washington, that the Trump administration gave contradictory explanations for its stop-work order and that the explanations given weeks afterward were "the height" of arbitrary and capricious government conduct.

He said that Revolution Wind relied on assurances from the government, which were then withdrawn without explanation and put a $5 billion investment at risk.

Lamberth warned that if Revolution Wind fails to meet benchmark deadlines the project may collapse. Orsted, along with its joint venture partner Skyborn Renewables, had requested a preliminary order in their lawsuit filed earlier this week challenging the U.S. Interior Department's order to stop work. Interior Department officials weren't immediately available to comment.

Revolution Wind, located 15 miles from the coast of Rhode Island, will produce enough electricity for 350,000 homes to be powered in Rhode Island or Connecticut once it is completed. Orsted did respond immediately to a comment request. Reporting by Jan Wolfe in Washington, Valerie Volcovici and Nichola in Los Angeles. Editing by David Gregorio.

(source: Reuters)