Offshore Wind Developers Challenge Trump Administration Over $25 Billion Project Halt
In a significant legal move, three leading offshore wind energy developers have initiated lawsuits against the Trump administration following the Department of the Interior’s abrupt suspension of five major projects valued at $25 billion on December 22, 2025. These projects, upon completion, are projected to contribute a substantial 6 gigawatts of electricity to the national grid, marking a pivotal advancement in the United States’ renewable energy sector.
Legal Actions Initiated
The legal challenges were set in motion late last week. Ørsted and Equinor, developers of the 704-megawatt Revolution Wind and the 2-gigawatt Empire Wind projects respectively, filed lawsuits on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, Dominion Energy, responsible for the 2.6-gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, lodged its lawsuit on December 23. These projects are at various stages of completion: Revolution Wind is nearing 90% completion, while both Empire Wind and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind are approximately 60% finished. Dominion Energy has reported financial losses of $5 million per day due to the enforced halt.
Avangrid, the developer behind Vineyard Wind 1, has yet to file a lawsuit. Notably, nearly half of this project is already operational, underscoring the advanced progress of these initiatives.
National Security Concerns Cited
The Department of the Interior has justified the suspension by citing national security concerns, though specific details have not been disclosed. It is widely speculated that the administration is referring to potential disruptions that wind turbines may cause to radar operations. This issue was previously addressed in a Department of Energy report from February 2024, which outlined both the challenges and potential solutions related to radar interference caused by wind turbines.
Mitigating Radar Interference
The interaction between wind turbine blades and radar systems has been a known issue, with efforts to mitigate such interference ongoing for over a decade. Strategic site selection for wind energy projects is a primary method to reduce potential conflicts. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management collaborates with the Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse to evaluate each proposed offshore wind project individually, aiming to resolve any concerns related to radar interference.
Advancements in radar technology have also played a role in addressing these challenges. Modern radar systems are equipped with adaptive processing algorithms capable of filtering out the noise generated by wind farms. For instance, Vineyard Wind 1 has committed to funding necessary radar adaptations and has agreed to curtail operations upon request from the Pentagon, demonstrating a proactive approach to national security concerns.
Historical Context and Industry Impact
This recent suspension is not an isolated incident. Earlier in 2025, the Trump administration halted approvals for new offshore wind projects and paused work on Empire Wind and Revolution Wind. These actions have raised concerns within the renewable energy sector about the stability and predictability of federal support for offshore wind initiatives.
The offshore wind industry in the United States has faced numerous challenges over the years, including regulatory hurdles and opposition from various stakeholders. However, the current legal actions underscore the industry’s determination to advance renewable energy projects and the significant investments at stake.
Conclusion
The lawsuits filed by Ørsted, Equinor, and Dominion Energy against the Trump administration highlight the tension between advancing renewable energy infrastructure and addressing national security concerns. As these legal proceedings unfold, they will likely have profound implications for the future of offshore wind development in the United States, potentially influencing policy decisions and the trajectory of the nation’s energy landscape.
