Norwegian energy company Equinor announced on Friday that it may have to halt an offshore wind project in New York soon unless the Trump administration lifts its construction stoppage order. The project, Empire Wind, has been on hold since April 16 when Interior Secretary Doug Burgum instructed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to pause construction for further review, alleging that the approval process under the Biden administration was rushed. Despite going through a seven-year permitting process, Equinor had started construction on Empire Wind last year and is now about one-third complete.
President Trump has been known for his opposition to renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, and has issued executive orders to support oil, gas, and coal industries. One of his first orders in office temporarily stopped offshore wind lease sales and approvals for wind projects. Despite Empire Wind being fully permitted and Equinor having already invested over $2.5 billion in the project, the developer faces financial strain with each passing day of uncertainty. Equinor is spending up to $50 million per week on the project and has 11 vessels standing by. They have completed significant onshore work, including connecting the wind farm cable to the local grid.
Equinor’s President of Renewables Americas, Molly Morris, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that if no progress is made in resolving the issue soon, they may have to terminate the project. This move would not only impact contracts and financial investments in the U.S. but also set a concerning precedent of stopping a project midway through execution. While Equinor is exploring legal options, they believe a quicker political resolution is preferable to avoid delays that could push the project back by a year.
With over $60 billion in investments in the U.S., Equinor is considering its next steps carefully, including seeking a meeting with Doug Burgum. The company aims to provide power to more than 500,000 New York homes by 2026 through the Empire Wind project. New York and other state attorneys general are challenging Trump’s wind energy executive order in court, arguing that it undermines the states’ energy goals and economic vitality. Efforts are ongoing to resolve the situation to ensure the project’s continuation and the fulfillment of its intended benefits.
Instead of collaborating with the president to enhance America’s energy dominance, they aim to obstruct his well-received energy agenda. It is important to note that The Associated Press’ climate and environmental reporting is sponsored by various private foundations. The AP is accountable for all content produced. Information about the AP’s guidelines for engaging with philanthropic organizations, a list of supporters, and the coverage areas funded can be found at AP.org.
