U.S. offshore wind industry faced significant regulatory uncertainty during late 2025 as federal actions taken under President Donald Trump clashed with state initiatives intended to maintain project momentum. Notable events included permit reviews, construction resumptions and infrastructure investments along the Northeast coast region.
New England Wind 1 and 2 Face Permit Remand
On December 3rd 2025, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) filed a motion in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. seeking a stay of its approval of New England Wind 1 and 2, projects proposed off Massachusetts. This action comes more than a year after President Biden issued the final permit and represents a major roadblock for developer Avangrid; New England Wind 1, intended to power up to 400,000 homes and connect in Barnstable has been delayed by numerous uncertainties, such as postponed power contracts from Massachusetts.
New England Wind 2 remains in early development stages, and could provide power for approximately one million homes when combined projects come online. Avangrid has until January 16, 2026 to submit its opposition to remand motion; after which a judge will make their ruling. Furthermore, in September 2025 the administration cancelled a $34 million grant for wind staging port development in Salem which further delayed timelines.
Revolution Wind Restarts After Federal Shutdown
On December 19, 2025, following a federal shutdown, construction on Revolution Wind resumed off Connecticut coast following Orsted-owned development's restart despite wider permitting freezes imposed by President 2025 memorandum that withdrew Outer Continental Shelf areas from new wind leasing contracts and stopped approvals of new wind farm permits. This progress represents one rare advance among more widespread permitting freezes that had imposed themselves since January.
Resumption demonstrates resilience among permitted projects, in contrast with others like SouthCoast Wind in Rhode Island where Rhode Island dropped their power purchase plan mid-November 2025 leaving Massachusetts as sole buyer. Contract deadlines for such projects have been extended until December 31, 2025 for filings and February 2026 filings respectively.
New York Strengthens Ports With $300 Million Allocation
New York recently unveiled an aggressive state response to federal challenges: $300 Million was set aside on December 19, 2025 for port improvements that aim to support offshore wind manufacturing, staging, and logistics operations. Additionally, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is now seeking bids for upgrading facilities affected by Trump-era policies, inflation concerns, or supply issues.
This funding supports projects like Empire Wind 1, which is under construction by Equinor with foundation work being temporarily suspended before continuing by May 2025 in preparation for 2027 operation. It demonstrates New Yorks commitment despite federal reviews of existing leases.
Broader Regulatory Shifts and Legal Battles
US Wind recently lost its injunction bid against potential legal scrutiny of their approved project, reflecting increasing legal scrutiny. Meanwhile, on December 8, 2025 the First Circuit Court of Appeals issued partial relief in New York v. Trump by vacate certain Trump administration orders regarding wind permitting and permitting procedures for wind turbines.
Vineyard Wind 1 reached over 50 However, stop-work orders and WEAs rescissions in July 2025 continue to prevent unleased areas from progressing as planned. These events highlight how maritime sector entities adapting to policy flux through ports and vessels playing key roles in staging installations in Northeast lease areas OCS-A 0534 and 0561 for staging purposes.