The Trump administration's decision to suspend work on five large-scale offshore wind projects has sparked lawsuits from states and developers. The projects, located off the East Coast, were put on hold for at least 90 days due to national security concerns. However, the administration has not revealed specifics about these concerns.
The Norwegian company Equinor and the Danish energy company Orsted have filed civil suits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging the suspension order. Connecticut and Rhode Island have also filed a request for a preliminary injunction. The lawsuits come as President Trump has been vocal about his opposition to renewable energy technologies, particularly offshore wind, and has instead prioritized fossil fuels.
The Interior Department has defended the decision, stating that the pause is necessary to protect national security, prevent conflicts with military readiness and maritime operations, and ensure responsible stewardship of the oceans. The outcome of these lawsuits will be closely watched, as they could have significant implications for the future of offshore wind development in the United States.