Neronha to sue Trump over Revolution Wind, McKee seeks meeting with president on project

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and his Connecticut counterpart William Tong announced their intent Thursday to sue the Trump administration to overturn its August 22 stop work order on the Revolution Wind wind power project.

The order from the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) halted work on the 80 percent complete project located 15 miles off of Rhode Island’s shore.

“With Revolution Wind, we have an opportunity to create good-paying jobs for Rhode Islanders, enhance energy reliability, and ensure energy cost savings while protecting our environment,” said Attorney General Neronha.

“And yet, this stop work order is not even the latest development in this Administration’s all-out assault on wind energy.”

“Revolution Wind is fully permitted, nearly complete and months from providing enough American-made, clean, affordable energy to power 350,000 homes,” said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.

“Now, with zero justification, Trump wants to mothball the project, send workers home, and saddle Connecticut families with millions of dollars in higher energy costs. This kind of erratic and reckless governing is blatantly illegal, and we’re suing to stop it.”

According to the joint statement, Revolution Wind supports 2,500 jobs nationwide, which includes 1,000 Rhode Island union positions.

The project’s operation upon completion is expected to staff 86 full-time workers, according to the statement.

Cited in the statement are alleged violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and “the government’s authority under OCSLA.”

The Administrative Procedure Act is described by its full title as “An Act to improve the administration of justice by prescribing fair administrative procedure.”

OCSLA, or the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, deals in the leasing and development of offshore renewable energy.

The Rhode Island Federal District Court filing will “seek to restore the rule of law, protect their energy and economic interests, and ensure that the federal government honors its commitments,” according to the attorneys general. 

Governor Dan McKee is also hoping to get the Revolution Wind project back on track by meeting with President Donald Trump.

In a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, McKee said that he would like the meeting in order to talk face-to-face with the president about the impacts of the stop-work order.

McKee and Burgum spoke last week according to the letter.

The governor also shared an update on Revolution Wind’s progress.

So far, 45 of 65 wind turbines have been installed, and all 65 sea bed foundations for the turbines have been completed.