Future of local offshore wind projects remain uncertain as Trump vows to kill projects
by GABRIELLE CARACCIOLO, NBC 10 NEWS
(WJAR) — As preparations are underway for another Trump administration, the future of offshore wind projects remain uncertain.
Over the last decade, Rhode Island has made significant investments in offshore wind with more projects currently under development but when the Trump administration takes over, all that could change.
When he takes office in January, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to kill all U.S. offshore wind projects.
“I think that we have a number of things in the pipeline that are already been approved, and we will continue to do the work on revolution wind, for instance, it’s already under construction now in the ocean that’s going to provide electricity for about 250,000 homes,” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said. “We’ll just have to see what comes and we’re hoping for the best.”
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said President-elect Donald Trump would be making a mistake both economically and also environmentally if he is to undermine offshore wind. (WJAR)
“It’s hard to do away with things on day one, but if his intent is to undermine offshore wind, then he’s making a mistake, both economically and also environmentally,” U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said.
Experts say it would be harder for him to stop currently operating projects like the Block Island Wind Farm, but he may have more leverage when it comes to ones under development like Revolution Wind.
That project is putting wind turbines about 15 miles off the Rhode Island coast and is expected to be operational in 2026.
“Right now, what has already been funded will we expect to finish that, if things get delayed we’ll react to that,” McKee said. “I think you don’t start reacting to things until you have to.”