One of the installed Haliade-X turbines at the Vineyard Wind wind farm. (Photo courtesy of Avangrid.)

WE WORK WITH the region’s companies, institutions, and small businesses every day, and we consistently hear about the frustrations and concerns of leading a business in New England as energy costs continue to rise. Our New England employers pay some of the highest costs in the nation to heat and run their facilities, and residents struggle with rising costs throughout the year.  

Despite these challenging energy circumstances, employers remain committed to creating meaningful jobs, spurring economic growth for the region and economic mobility in the workforce.  

For example, the business community stepped forward to champion two new sources of electricity in New England from offshore wind when the region needs it most. However, many of these projects have been put in serious jeopardy, including Revolution Wind off the Rhode Island coast, due to federal stop work orders that place innovation, competition, and job creation at a standstill. While we are pleased that Revolution Wind can resume construction, putting thousands back to work, after a US District Court judge in Washington on Monday granted a request for temporary injunction against the Trump administration move, we remain concerned about the onslaught of work stop orders.  

With these stop work orders, the success of our workers, families, businesses, and economy is at risk. The Department of the Interior should reconsider the stop work orders for these offshore energy facilities. There is a detrimental ripple effect that stops the billions of dollars in private investment, opportunities for thousands of workers across a multi-state supply chain, and valuable infrastructure improvements on our working waterfronts.  

Offshore wind can deliver critical energy needs while supporting the region’s economic growth and job creation. The fixed-price predictability of wind energy from Vineyard Wind, for example, is expected to save electric consumers $1.4 billion over the first 20 years of operation. The electric grid operator for New England, ISO-NE, responded to the Revolution Wind stop work order by warning about risks to grid reliability. “Beyond near-term impacts to reliability in the summer and winter peak periods, delays in the availability of new resources will adversely affect New England’s economy and industrial growth, including potential future data centers,” ISO-NE said.  

These moves by the administration send a troubling signal to employers: after years of planning, layers of government oversight, and finalized permits that survived court scrutiny – suddenly, there is a government reversal.  

Businesses want and need to trust federal policymakers and government leaders, and employers depend on that trust and certainty to make strategic investments and hiring decisions. A stop work order can paralyze a company that would otherwise be contributing significantly to the region’s economy. How can companies successfully grow our economy, hire thousands of people, and compete if they are abruptly stopped by the federal government?  

This is not only about the future electricity demand of our region, but also about the future of energy in our country. Our nation’s energy strategy should encourage innovation, investments, and a diverse mix of resources that will power New England’s growth and the country’s competitive edge.  

While offshore wind is just one part of our energy portfolio, the use of natural gas, new nuclear power, and other renewable technologies will promote long-term economic growth and provide opportunities for all residents and businesses. Attacking a new source of energy that is only months away from or already supplying power to the region will only increase electricity prices further, further dampening the state’s economy. Let’s not place additional obstacles on technologies we need to grow the economy now and in the future. 

JD Chesloff is president and CEO of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable. James Rooney is president and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Brooke Thomson is president & CEO, Associated Industries of Massachusetts.