Trump administration halts offshore wind project already under construction in New York
The Biden-approved Empire Wind project off New York’s coast has been abruptly paused by the Trump administration, putting thousands of jobs and clean energy goals in jeopardy.
Jake Spring reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum ordered the Empire Wind project to stop construction, citing concerns over rushed permitting under former President Biden, despite the project already being fully approved and underway.
- The offshore wind development, led by Equinor, was set to power 500,000 homes and support New York’s legal targets for renewable energy, including 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035.
- Industry leaders and labor groups condemned the halt, warning it threatens energy investment, job creation, and affordable electricity, especially as national demand continues to climb.
Key quote:
“Doubling back to reconsider permits after projects are under construction sends a chilling signal to all energy investment.”
— Jason Grumet, head of the American Clean Power Association
Why this matters:
As climate-driven demands on the electrical grid surge — from AI data centers to electric vehicles — the need for clean, reliable sources is increasingly urgent. Offshore wind, while slow to launch in the U.S., remains a cornerstone of plans to decarbonize electricity, especially in densely populated coastal regions. New York, for instance, is legally bound to get 70% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. Blocking a project already under construction undermines investor confidence and sends mixed signals about the country’s energy trajectory.
Related: Trump tariffs may raise U.S. wind energy prices and stall project growth
