Five Offshore Wind Projects Suspended Over National Security Claims
On December 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued an order suspending construction on five major offshore wind projects due to national security concerns. Affected projects include Vineyard Wind, Revolution Wind, Sunrise Wind Empire Wind and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind; this three-month suspension may impede these multibillion-dollar investments on the East Coast.
The Department of Interior stated its decision was due to complaints from Pentagon that turbine blade movements and highly reflective towers cause radar interference, making it more difficult to identify and locate security threats. State officials, Democratic lawmakers, and industry trade groups characterized this suspension as unwarranted.
Developers Confront Suspension in Court
Orsted, the developer of Revolution Wind, has filed legal action against the U.S. government regarding their stop-work order. At the time of suspension, Revolution Wind was approximately 87% complete and scheduled to start producing power as soon as January 2026, according to Orsted's estimates. Orsted stated that billions have already been invested and committed in support of a comprehensive review process that fulfilled all government requests for their project.
Orsted-Skyborn asserts the suspension is unlawful. Additionally, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind - one of the largest offshore wind projects on the East Coast - developer has filed suit. Industry observers predict more multi-state litigation may follow against Trump administration.
Construction Activity and Financial Impact.
Even during Trump's second term, Vineyard Wind managed to install at least 50 turbines, over 150 foundations and four substations; production continued despite suspension orders; planned completion was set for March 2026.
Previous stop-work orders issued in April and August 2025 resulted in significant financial losses for both Equinor and Orsted, with Equinor reporting approximately $50 million being lost each week during Empire Wind's April halt, while Orsted reported Revolution Wind cost them $2.3 million daily during its August stoppage. Offshore wind projects operate to tight schedules requiring vessels with limited international availability; even short delays could prove devastating to project schedules and contracts.
Massachusetts Projects Representing Uncertain Regulatory Environment
Massachusetts offshore wind projects face additional regulatory hurdles. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management requested a remand of SouthCoast Wind's final construction approval permit, which a federal judge granted in November 2025; this could potentially lead to its cancellation or even revocation. Likewise, BOEM made similar requests regarding New England Wind; although this project is fully permitted at federal level. Both projects must secure power purchase agreements from Massachusetts within multiple deadline extensions already given for preliminary agreements.