In a surprising move on April 16, 2025, the Trump administration ordered an immediate halt to construction on Equinor’s $5 billion Empire Wind offshore wind farm off the coast of New York. The project, which had received full federal and state approvals in 2024 and was already underway, was stopped by the U.S. Department of the Interior amid concerns that the previous Biden administration rushed its approval without adequate environmental review.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, in coordination with the Department of Commerce, directed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to suspend all construction activities pending a thorough reassessment. Burgum cited “serious issues” with the permitting process, alleging insufficient analysis and consultation among relevant agencies before the project was greenlit.
Empire Wind, located about 12 nautical miles south of Long Island, was designed to generate 810 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power over 500,000 homes starting in 2027. Equinor, which acquired the lease in 2017, had completed financial close in December 2024, with total capital investments—including fees for the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal—estimated at roughly $5 billion. The project was a cornerstone of New York’s clean energy goals, supported by Governor Kathy Hochul, who condemned the federal intervention as “federal overreach” that threatens union jobs, affordable energy, and the state’s economic future.
The suspension follows a broader Trump administration review of offshore wind leasing and permitting practices, which has also affected other projects along the East Coast. Critics argue that halting a fully permitted and partially constructed project sends a chilling signal to the renewable energy sector at a time when clean energy development is critical to combating climate change and ensuring energy independence.
Equinor has stated it will engage with federal agencies to clarify concerns and determine the path forward, while New York officials vow to fight the decision to protect the project and its associated jobs. The pause leaves the future of Empire Wind uncertain, marking a significant setback for the U.S. offshore wind industry.
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