President Trump has made unleashing American energy dominance a cornerstone of his agenda. From reversing harmful restrictions to reforming permitting under the National Environmental Policy Act, his administration has sent a clear message that the U.S. will not be held back by bureaucrats or foreign climate dictates.
That’s why the Interior Department’s recent decision to halt construction on the Revolution Wind project in Rhode Island is so disappointing. The move contradicts the very principles that have made Mr. Trump’s energy dominance agenda successful.
What was Revolution Wind?
Revolution Wind was no mere green project in name only — it had already cleared the gauntlet of federal and state permits, secured financing, and created thousands of jobs. At about 80% completion, it was poised to power 350,000 homes in New England as soon as next year.
Why this matters
“Stopping a project that far along doesn’t just hurt consumers and workers; it also signals to investors around the world that they … might be next if it falls afoul of the ever-evolving American political landscape.”
Energy projects of every kind—as Market Institute President Charles Sauer argues—depend on stable policy and reliable governance. When developers worry that regulatory decisions might be reversed or projects shut down late in the process, it raises the risk premium, discourages investment, and raises costs for consumers.
U.S. is losing ground
According to BloombergNEF:
- U.S. investment in renewables dropped 36% in the first half of 2025 — more than $20 billion lost.
- By contrast, the European Union increased its renewable spending by 63%, close to $30 billion during the same period.
- Globally, clean energy investment rose 10%, including a 24% jump in wind investment. The U.S. is the one falling behind.
All-of-the-above energy, with consistency
Sauer makes a clear case: this debate isn’t about choosing wind over oil or solar over gas. It’s about meeting rising demand, lowering costs, and making sure no reliable source is left on the table.
“Peak U.S. electricity demand is projected to grow 14% by 2030 and more than 50% by 2050. No single source can meet that challenge alone. An ‘all of the above’ approach … is the only path forward.”
The risk of regulatory whiplash
Sauer warns that last-minute blockades — whether under the Obama-Biden era or now — threaten confidence in the U.S. energy market. When governments reverse course after projects are deeply invested in, it doesn’t just hurt that project. It hurts the reputation of the whole country as a safe place for energy infrastructure investment.
Takeaway
If the goal is energy dominance, as President Trump has proclaimed, then it requires more than big promises. It requires consistency, reliability, and follow-through. Revolution Wind was a project that checked every box. Halting it undermines not just the local economy or individual workers, but the broader case for America as a global energy leader. Investors are watching. The rest of the world is acting. It’s time to match words with deeds.
Read the full article by Charles Sauer, originally published in The Washington Times.
