Interior stop-work order halts Revolution Wind project; Rhode Island lawmaker demands answers

Representative Magaziner (R.I.) told the subcommittee that the Revolution Wind offshore project — which he said is roughly 80% complete and contracted to deliver power at about 9¢ per kilowatt-hour — has been halted by an Interior Department stop-work order with no clear rationale provided to state officials or construction trades.

Acting Assistant Secretary Adam Seese told the committee only that the project is “under review consistent with the president’s January 20 memorandum” and that “the stop work order, I think, speaks for itself.” When asked repeatedly what specifically was being reviewed and how long the suspension would last, Seese declined to provide additional details during the hearing but said the department would meet with state officials who request engagement.

Members from both parties pressed for clarity because the stoppage affects workers and scheduled power deliveries at a below-market contracted price. The Rhode Island representative said that daily construction delays threaten hundreds of union jobs and that constituents face uncertainty about future electric bills if the project is delayed further.

Committee members requested written follow-up from the Department of the Interior on the scope and timeline of the review, and on what conditions would allow the project to resume.