Trump administration allows N.Y. offshore wind energy project to proceed

The Trump administration has removed the halt on the offshore wind energy project in New York, allowing construction to restart. This decision follows progress made by the Interior Department in reaching a compromise with the state on natural gas. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the lifting of the stop-work order, revealing that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and President Donald Trump had agreed to the move after advancing negotiations on the natural gas issue. The project, Empire Wind 1, located off Long Island, is the first offshore wind initiative to supply electricity directly to New York City. Originally approved by the Biden administration, construction was halted by Trump last month. Trump has been vocal about his opposition to wind power, advocating for offshore fossil fuel production instead. Equinor, the parent company of Empire Offshore Wind LLC, had suspended offshore construction in compliance with the Interior Department’s order. The Empire Wind 1 project, currently 30% complete, aims to have 54 turbines generating 810 megawatts of electricity for around half a million homes. Equinor expressed appreciation for the agreement with New York, emphasizing their commitment to delivering energy, supporting local economies, and creating jobs. The company’s work began last year with the target of commencing commercial operations in 2027. CEO Anders Opedal thanked President Trump for facilitating the solution that preserves American jobs and allows for continued investments in U.S. energy infrastructure. Opedal also acknowledged Governor Hochul for her collaborative efforts with the Trump administration, which enabled the advancement of the Empire Wind 1 project and ensured energy supply for 500,000 homes in New York.