<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/judge-says-work-on-nearly-complete-offshore-wind-project-can-resume-after-rejecting-trump-ban/>
"A US federal judge has ruled that a nearly complete offshore wind project the
White House halted can resume, dealing President Donald Trump a setback in his
ongoing effort to restrict the industry.
Work on the nearly completed Revolution Wind project for Rhode Island and
Connecticut has been paused since August 22 when the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management issued a stop-work order for what it said were national security
concerns.
It did not specify those concerns at the time. Both the developer and the two
states sued in federal courts.
Danish energy company Orsted and its joint venture partner Skyborn Renewables
sought a preliminary injunction in US District Court in Washington, DC, that
would allow them to move forward with the project.
Judge Royce Lamberth held a hearing on that request Monday.
Lamberth said he considered how Revolution Wind has relied on its federal
approval, the delays are costing $US2.3 million ($A3.5 million) a day and if
the project can’t meet deadlines, the entire enterprise could collapse.
After December, the specialised ship needed to complete the project won’t be
available until at least 2028, he said.
More than 1000 people have been working on the wind farm, which is 80 per cent
complete.
“There is no question in my mind of irreparable harm to the plaintiffs,”
Lamberth said, as he granted the motion for the preliminary injunction.
The Interior Department has said that the department doesn’t comment on pending
litigation.
Orsted said Monday that construction will resume as soon as possible."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
