Virginia Offshore Wind Developer Files Lawsuit Against Trump Order Halting Projects
NORFOLK, Va—Developers of a significant offshore wind project in Virginia are seeking legal intervention to counter a recent order from the Trump administration that halted construction on their project and four others, citing national security concerns.
Dominion Energy Virginia, the Richmond-based company behind the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, filed a lawsuit late last Tuesday. They argue that the government’s order is “arbitrary and capricious” and violates constitutional principles. This project is deemed crucial for addressing the rapidly increasing energy demands driven by the establishment of numerous new data centers.
The Interior Department has not provided specific details regarding the security concerns that led to the suspension of these five projects. In a communication to project developers, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management indicated a 90-day review period—potentially extending beyond that—to assess whether the national security threats associated with the project can be effectively mitigated.
In addition to Dominion’s project, the halted initiatives include the Vineyard Wind project currently under construction in Massachusetts, Revolution Wind in Rhode Island and Connecticut, as well as two projects in New York: Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind. Democratic governors from these states have pledged to contest the order, which represents yet another effort by the Trump administration to impede the growth of offshore wind energy in its broader campaign against renewable energy sources.
Dominion’s project has been in the construction phase since early 2024 and was slated to commence operations early next year, with the capacity to supply energy to approximately 660,000 homes. The company has reported that the ongoing delay is costing them over $5 million daily, solely due to expenses related to the ships engaged in continuous construction efforts. Ultimately, these costs may fall on customers or the company itself.
Dominion has characterized this recent order as “the latest in a series of irrational agency actions targeting offshore wind, which are then reinforced when those actions are deemed unlawful.”
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the matter.
U.S. District Judge Jamar Walker has scheduled a hearing for 2 p.m. on Monday to address Dominion’s request for a temporary restraining order.
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content.
Photo: Wind turbine bases, generators, and blades are positioned along with support ships at The Portsmouth Marine terminal at the staging area for Dominion Energy’s wind turbine project Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Portsmouth, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
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NORFOLK, Va—Developers of a significant offshore wind project in Virginia are seeking legal intervention to counter a recent order from the Trump administration that halted construction on their project and four others, citing national security concerns.
Dominion Energy Virginia, the Richmond-based company behind the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, filed a lawsuit late last Tuesday. They argue that the government’s order is “arbitrary and capricious” and violates constitutional principles. This project is deemed crucial for addressing the rapidly increasing energy demands driven by the establishment of numerous new data centers.
The Interior Department has not provided specific details regarding the security concerns that led to the suspension of these five projects. In a communication to project developers, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management indicated a 90-day review period—potentially extending beyond that—to assess whether the national security threats associated with the project can be effectively mitigated.
In addition to Dominion’s project, the halted initiatives include the Vineyard Wind project currently under construction in Massachusetts, Revolution Wind in Rhode Island and Connecticut, as well as two projects in New York: Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind. Democratic governors from these states have pledged to contest the order, which represents yet another effort by the Trump administration to impede the growth of offshore wind energy in its broader campaign against renewable energy sources.
Dominion’s project has been in the construction phase since early 2024 and was slated to commence operations early next year, with the capacity to supply energy to approximately 660,000 homes. The company has reported that the ongoing delay is costing them over $5 million daily, solely due to expenses related to the ships engaged in continuous construction efforts. Ultimately, these costs may fall on customers or the company itself.
Dominion has characterized this recent order as “the latest in a series of irrational agency actions targeting offshore wind, which are then reinforced when those actions are deemed unlawful.”
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the matter.
U.S. District Judge Jamar Walker has scheduled a hearing for 2 p.m. on Monday to address Dominion’s request for a temporary restraining order.
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content.
Photo: Wind turbine bases, generators, and blades are positioned along with support ships at The Portsmouth Marine terminal at the staging area for Dominion Energy’s wind turbine project Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Portsmouth, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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