Press Release  Governor Healey Responds to Trump Administration Stop Work Order for Vineyard Wind

Boston — Governor Maura Healey released a statement today in response to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s issuance of a stop work order for five nearly complete offshore wind projects, including Vineyard Wind. 

“Energy costs are already too high. It makes absolutely no sense for the Trump Administration to halt construction on a project that is bringing more affordable energy to our region. This puts people out of work during the holidays,” said Governor Healey. “Vineyard Wind has been producing power for a year, bringing down costs for residents and businesses, while creating nearly 4,000 jobs right here in Massachusetts. Donald Trump should be embracing an all-of-the-above approach to American energy, not shutting down critical sources like wind. It is dangerous to halt construction in the middle of a project, and I will stand up against this unlawful action by the Trump Administration to protect Massachusetts’ ratepayers and workers. We are working closely with impacted states and developers to ensure the projects are completed and continue to provide affordable power to our communities.” 

Vineyard Wind I has been producing power since January 2025 and has nearly completed construction, capable of producing 572 MW of power. This stop work order means Massachusetts is losing out on new, additional power generation that could power over 200,000 homes and businesses this winter. Offshore wind has its highest output in the coldest winter months when the New England grid is most constrained. Massachusetts is losing out on crucial additional power that was poised to lower costs and emissions in the region this winter. If these additional turbines are allowed to come online, Massachusetts ratepayers would save at least $13 million in direct wholesale energy market costs between January and March 2026. 

The Department of Interior has made unfounded and unspecified claims about national security risks related to offshore wind. The lease areas for these projects were designed in consultation with the Department of Defense, and Vineyard Wind has an agreement in place with both the Department of Defense and the Department of the Air Force to ensure any national security considerations are addressed. 

Statements of Support 

Chrissy Lynch, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO: 

“President Trump’s most recent attack on the working class pulls the rug out from hundreds of construction workers who rely on the Vineyard Wind 1 project to support their families, and will make energy bills even more expensive for working families. Our neighbors, our friends, and our family members will be out of a job this holiday season, and their energy bills will be even higher because of the Trump Administration’s reckless and asinine attack on a project that is almost complete. Massachusetts needs the jobs and energy from this project, and Trump is putting personal politics over the needs of working class people.” 

Frank Callahan, President, Massachusetts Building Trades Unions: 

“President Trump ‘s order suspending leases for 5 Offshore Wind projects currently under construction is a layoff notice for many union trades workers just 3 days before Christmas.  It also means higher utility bills for those same workers and everyone else in Massachusetts.”    

Jim Pimental, President, Southeastern Massachusetts Building Trades Council 

“During this holiday season, Trump continues his relentless attack on American workers. This time, it happens to be hundreds of Building Trades union members working on Vineyard Wind 1; a project that’s crucial not only to Massachusetts’ energy independence, but also to reducing electricity prices for our families. During this season of giving, the Grinch in the Oval Office decided instead to give MA workers, families and consumers a giant lump of coal.” 

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