‘This Has Nothing to Do with National Security’ | Revolution Wind Halt Leaves Connecticut Leaders Demanding Answers

Share this article

Connecticut officials say they have been left in the dark about why the US federal government suddenly ordered construction of the Revolution Wind offshore project to stop, even as billions of US dollars, hundreds of jobs, and counted-on grid capacity hang in the balance.

“If there are issues to discuss, let’s discuss them. But nobody has provided a fact-based reason for this halt. And that is why this decision cannot stand.” — Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont

“This isn’t about national security. This isn’t about some secret study at NOAA. This is a decision about politics.” — Senator Christopher Murphy

On 25 August, the Connecticut State Government, joined by congressional leaders and representatives from the offshore wind supply chain, held a press conference at the New London State Pier after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a directive on 22 August halting all offshore activities on the almost-completed Revolution Wind, citing national security concerns and interference with US waters.

These are to be (re)addressed under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. § 1337(p)(4)), which, according to the Interior Secretary’s Order from 29 July , was misapplied by the previous leadership at the Department of the Interior (DOI).

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said on 27 August , in an interview for FOX Business, that concerns arose from “Biden-era” reports from scientists at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and that the Department of Defense (DOD) has now also become involved due to effects on radar for airports and the military.