Public Interest Groups Applaud Halt to Virginia Wind Project for National Security Assessment

National Security Concerns and the Virginia Wind Project

On December 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced a significant pause on the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project, a major offshore wind initiative located 25 miles off Norfolk, Virginia. This decision garnered the approval of several public interest organizations, including CFACT, which are involved in an ongoing legal battle aimed at halting the project due to various environmental and national security concerns.

The CVOW project has faced scrutiny for years, primarily from the U.S. Navy, which has documented national security apprehensions regarding the construction of large wind turbines near one of the nation's largest military complexes. Reports released over the past decade have highlighted potential risks that offshore wind development could pose to military readiness and operations. The Navy argues that the geographical area off Norfolk is unsuitable for such developments, raising alarm over both military safety and effectiveness.

Despite these extensive objections, both the Obama and Biden administrations proceeded with plans to develop CVOW and other wind projects, often overriding military recommendations. These actions included compelling the Department of Defense to approve the construction despite its concerns. The recent order from the Trump Administration marks a notable departure, aimed largely at investigating the national security implications tied to these wind ventures.

In collaboration with organizations like the Heartland Institute and the National Legal and Policy Center, CFACT previously filed a lawsuit against the Biden Administration in 2024, arguing that the wind project's construction threatens marine life, specifically the North Atlantic Right Whale, while also posing broader concerns about national security. That lawsuit remains pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Leaders from these organizations voiced strong support for the Trump Administration's decision. Craig Rucker, Executive Director of CFACT, remarked, "We commend the Trump Administration for recognizing the evident national security issues caused by erecting massive wind turbines in the heart of America’s military operations. The Navy has consistently raised alarms, and it is time these concerns were given their due consideration."

Similarly, Sterling Burnett from the Heartland Institute has labeled Virginia Wind and comparable facilities as dangerous ventures that threaten U.S. security while putting endangered marine species at risk. He argues that the economic rationale behind the CVOW project is flawed, stating that it would weaken the electric grid and ultimately lead to increased electricity prices for consumers. Burnett emphasized that the project primarily benefits Dominion Energy and its political advocates at the expense of Virginia residents and national interests.

Paul Kamenar, a representative from the National Legal and Policy Center, reinforced the notion that national security must not be compromised for any green energy initiative. He expressed relief that the Trump Administration has acknowledged longstanding Navy objections, highlighting that had these concerns been considered earlier by previous administrations, the current predicament might have been avoided.

As the U.S. navigates the complex terrain of energy production and environmental responsibility, the halt on the Virginia Wind Project serves as a crucial juncture. The balance between harnessing renewable energy and maintaining national security remains a contentious issue, underscoring the need for ongoing dialogue and reevaluation of energy strategies in light of military readiness.

The discussion surrounding the CVOW project highlights significant challenges faced not only by policymakers but also by public stakeholders who challenge the intersection of environmental advocacy and national security. Moving forward, it will be essential to ensure that any energy development project takes into account not only ecological impacts but also the safety and readiness of national defense resources.

In light of these developments, the future of the Virginia Wind Project remains uncertain. Public interest groups have expressed their commitment to ensuring that thorough evaluations occur before any decisions are made to resume construction. The outcome of these discussions will undoubtedly influence the direction of offshore wind projects across the nation as America strives to balance the shift towards renewable energy with the imperatives of national security.