21-05-2025
Trump Just Revived a $5 Billion Wind Farm -- And Might Bring Gas Pipelines Back Too
After private discussions between Donald Trump and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the $5 billion Empire Wind 1 project from Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) is back on track. The Trump administration lifted a stop-work order after Hochul signaled openness to long-contested gas pipeline infrastructure a quiet but significant U-turn that could reshape New York's energy future. Hochul praised the move as a step toward reliability and affordability, while Trump allies pointed to potential economic relief from lower heating and power costs.
This unexpected detente breathes life into more than just wind. Analysts believe shelved gas projects like the Constitution Pipeline could get a second chance, especially if state regulators ease their grip on water-quality objections. In return, the offshore wind sector, which has faced delays, inflation pressures, and federal roadblocks, may now find a clearer though still cautious path forward. ClearView Energy noted the deal might mark the beginning of transactional wind-for-pipeline negotiations, particularly for projects already shovel-ready.
For Equinor, the timing was brutal. Eleven ships were on standby and 1,500 union jobs were hanging in the balance. CEO Anders Opedal met with the White House earlier this month and got word late Monday that work could resume. While the industry isn't calling this a full policy pivot just yet, the fact that a staunch wind critic like Trump gave the green light after a trade involving fossil fuel infrastructure signals a new kind of energy pragmatism. This deal may be less about ideology, and more about jobs, leverage, and what it takes to keep the lights on.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
