The Trump administration has lifted a month-long stop-work order on the Empire Wind offshore wind facility planned off the coast of New York, enabling construction activities to resume on the $5 billion project. This move brings relief to the offshore wind industry and secures thousands of jobs tied to the ambitious renewable energy development.
Empire Wind, developed by Norwegian energy company Equinor, aims to power half a million New York homes with clean energy. The project, which began under the Trump administration in 2017 and was approved under President Biden in 2023, is already 30% complete. It features wind turbines supplied by Vestas and plans to start commercial operations by 2027.
The stop-work order was issued by the U.S. Interior Department on April 16, citing concerns over insufficient environmental analysis in the project’s approval process. This suspension caused significant financial strain, with Equinor reporting expenditures of $50 million weekly to maintain progress during the halt.
According to the New York Post, this decision to lift the halt came after active involvement by New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Both officials worked closely with the Trump administration to advocate for the project’s continuation, emphasizing its importance for local jobs and the state’s clean energy goals.
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According to Reuters, Equinor CEO Anders Opedal expressed gratitude to President Trump, Governor Hochul, and Norway’s leadership for their collaboration in resolving the issue. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to proceed with offshore installation in 2025 and complete the project by 2027. Industry groups also praised the administration’s decision, highlighting the positive impact on American jobs and energy infrastructure.
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Aside from Empire Wind, three other offshore wind farms are currently under construction in the U.S., including Sunrise Wind and Revolution Wind off the New York and Rhode Island coasts, respectively, and Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on public available information. The content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently before making decisions.
