Dangers of Pulling the Plug on Revolution Wind

When the wind stops, so does progress. 

I write on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut to express our dismay in the Trump administration’s recent decision to halt offshore activities on the nearly complete Revolution Wind project. This move jeopardizes a critical source of clean, reliable energy for our region, along with the vital jobs, infrastructure investments, and energy cost savings it supports.

Revolution Wind employes over 1,000 local union workers and is part of Ørsted’s $20 billion investment into American energy generation, port infrastructure, supply chain, and domestic shipbuilding and manufacturing across over 40 states. Stopping this fully permitted important project without a clear stated reason not only seriously undermines the state’s efforts to work towards a carbon neutral energy supply but equally important it sends a message to investors from all over the world that they may want to rethink investing in America. The message resulting from the President’s action is a lack of trust, uncertainty and lack of predictability.

The Revolution Wind project, if completed, would deliver energy to 350,000 homes across Rhode Island and Connecticut, providing reliable, affordable power. Stopping this project means delaying a critical energy source for Connecticut and beyond. The project employes thousands of employees and millions in state and regional investment. Offshore wind is not an abstract future ambition – it is a present-day economic engine. Ørsted, a committed partner in both the local and national energy sector, has invested more than $20 billion in American energy generation, domestic shipbuilding, manufacturing, and port infrastructure spanning over 40 states. At 80% completion with all foundations installed, Ørsted is complying with the federal construction halt, but the impact of a pause at this stage is costly and will negatively impact foreign investment in America for years to come.

Cancelling or delaying Revolution Wind risks upending critical workforce development efforts within the skilled labor force; union workers, engineers, port operators, and supply chain specialists are all part of our growing green economy – one that offers long-term, family-sustaining careers. Connecticut is proud to be a hub of this effort, building a future where American energy is made by American hands.

Connecticut needs relief, not higher electricity bills. Stopping this progress now sends a chilling message to investors, developers, and skilled workers who have put their trust in America's clean energy future. It risks unraveling years of work, training, and coordination across public and private sectors. Additionally, cancelling the Revolution Wind project will increase electricity prices for New Englanders when demand for power is growing and ratepayers are already suffering from inflation and tariffs.

It is for these reasons and many more that we urge federal decision-makers to consider not just the political optics of this renewable source, but the real economic, environmental, and energy consequences of their action.

Thank you for considering this request.

Tony Sheridan

President & CEO