Judge Allows Massachusetts Offshore Wind Project to Continue

Vineyard Wind project can resume construction after Trump administration's halt order was overturned

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:47pm

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A federal judge in Boston has ruled that the nearly completed Vineyard Wind offshore wind project in Massachusetts can continue construction, overturning a halt order issued by the Trump administration. The judge cited the potential economic losses from delays and the developers' likelihood of success on their legal claims against the administration's order, which cited national security concerns.

Why it matters

The Vineyard Wind project is one of several major offshore wind developments on the East Coast that the Trump administration had paused, raising concerns about the future of the growing U.S. offshore wind industry. The judge's ruling allows this critical clean energy project to move forward, supporting Massachusetts' climate goals and the thousands of jobs associated with the project.

The details

The Vineyard Wind project is a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, located 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. It is 95% complete and partially operational, able to produce nearly 600 megawatts of power for the New England electric grid. Before the pause, it was on track to be complete by the end of March, with 62 turbines generating a total of 800 megawatts - enough clean electricity to power about 400,000 homes.

  • On December 23, 2025, the Trump administration issued a stop work order for Vineyard Wind and four other major offshore wind projects on the East Coast, citing national security concerns.
  • On January 27, 2026, a federal judge in Boston ruled that the Vineyard Wind project can continue construction, overturning the Trump administration's halt order.

The players

Vineyard Wind

A joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, developing a major offshore wind project off the coast of Massachusetts.

Judge Brian Murphy

The U.S. District Court judge in Boston who ruled that the Vineyard Wind project can continue construction, overturning the Trump administration's halt order.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who targeted offshore wind power, calling wind farms "losers" that lose money, destroy the landscape, and kill birds.

Andrea Joy Campbell

The Massachusetts Attorney General who said the completion of the Vineyard Wind project is essential to the state's climate goals and job creation.

Matthew Giacona

The acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, who reviewed classified documents and determined the Vineyard Wind project posed national security risks.

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What they’re saying

“Vineyard Wind will focus on working in coordination with its contractors, the federal government, and other relevant stakeholders and authorities to safely restart activities, as it continues to deliver a critical source of new power to the New England region.”

— Craig Gilvarg, Spokesperson for Vineyard Wind

“The completion of this project is essential to ensuring the state can lower costs, meet rising energy demand, advance its climate goals and sustain thousands of good-paying jobs.”

— Andrea Joy Campbell, Massachusetts Attorney General

“Wind energy is the scam of the century.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will continue consulting with defense officials and the Vineyard Wind owners to determine if any mitigation measures can address the national security concerns raised.

The takeaway

This ruling is a significant victory for the U.S. offshore wind industry, allowing a critical clean energy project to move forward despite the Trump administration's efforts to halt it. It highlights the industry's ability to successfully challenge federal roadblocks in court, paving the way for more offshore wind development to help states meet their climate and renewable energy goals.