The following is attributable to Rob Freudenberg, VP of Energy & Environment at RPA:
Today’s court ruling to grant an injunction against the stop work order placed by the Trump Administration on the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project - and a similar ruling on Monday for Revolution Wind - is a victory for the New York and Connecticut ratepayers burdened by costly, unpredictable, and rising utility bills. It is also a victory for residents and businesses who face an uncertain future with the increasing likelihood of energy shortages and blackouts, as well as worsening climate impacts, which will have the greatest impact on our which will have the greatest impact on our most vulnerable neighbors. And finally, it is a victory for the offshore wind industry that is working to generate clean power and deliver good jobs, an expanded economy, and investments in our communities.
It is notable that multiple courts have found the actions taken by the Trump Administration to pause the advancement of offshore wind questionable - or even illegal - and their rulings counteract the Administration’s confounding efforts to delay or even destroy the best chance for near-term, large-scale, clean energy projects that would start generating power as soon as this year. The Trump Administration’s capricious orders have successfully delayed these projects, which adds costs to their construction – costs that could ultimately drive up the cost of energy for ratepayers. All of this is taking place against a backdrop of increasing demand for energy driven by large-load uses like data centers and increased warnings about reliability from grid managers.
Despite the good news of these decisions, they still do not ensure that these projects will be completed. The court rulings are temporary injunctions that allow the companies to continue to build while the lawsuits against the Administration’s efforts to stop them make their way through the courts. Even an ultimate victory against the Administration’s freeze - based on supposed National Security concerns - does not prevent them from taking additional steps to disrupt, delay, or cease the projects.
Offshore wind energy - regardless of how it is generated - is much needed energy, and the sooner it comes on line, the better it is for our region. RPA calls on elected leaders, business, civic and community voices to demand that these projects be completed, to ensure our region can continue to thrive.
