18-04-2025
New York's $2.5 billion offshore wind farm halted by Trump administration
Construction of a massive offshore wind farm that was supposed to power half a million homes in New York is being halted by the Trump administration.
The White House said permits for the
$2.5 billion Empire Wind project
, which is based at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal and
already under construction
, were rushed through approval.
Empire Wind was hailed as a key to the
clean energy transition
and ocean turbine installations were set to start in May, but Interior Secretary Doug Bergum brought it to a screeching halt.
The prior administration "rushed through its approval without sufficient analysis," Bergum said in a letter.
"They did a completely thorough review. Suddenly, also the Trump administration cares about the environment? I don't think so," said Julie Tighe with the League of Conservation Voters.
The process took seen years.
On Thursday, advocates gathered with Congressman Dan Goldman, who is urging the administration to reconsider.
"It's destructive to any desire for American manufacturing, for building jobs here," Goldman said. "If you truly want to be America first, then you reopen this project."
Equinor says it will "safely halt the offshore construction in the waters of the outer continental shelf for the Empire Wind project. Empire is engaging with relevant authorities to clarify this matter and is considering its legal remedies, including appealing the order."
The reversal will immediately impact livelihoods.
"We were ready to take a bold step in New York state with the offshore wind," said Chris Erikson, with IBEW Local Union 3. "Long-term work opportunity for the members of the building trades to put those turbines out there and so, yeah, we're angry."
Equinor leased the federal site in 2017. Fifty-four turbines are to go more than 15 miles off New York and New Jersey.
Opponents hailing the halt include Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who said there is a place for alternative energy, but not offshore wind.
"It was ill-conceived. It was rushed. It was a money grab and, basically it needs to be investigated further," Blakeman said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul released a statement in response to the federal government's decision saying:
Doreen M. Harris, president and CEO of the New York State Research and Development Authority, said in a statement:
The halt will be in effect until further review.
