New York: The Trump administration has lifted a month-long stop-work order on the Empire Wind project, a $5 billion offshore wind facility being developed off the coast of New York. The move, confirmed by Norwegian energy company Equinor on Monday, allows construction to resume on a project expected to eventually supply power to over 500,000 New York homes.
Industry Relief Amid Growing Uncertainty
Equinor, the project’s developer, welcomed the decision, calling it a crucial reprieve for the offshore wind industry. The company had previously warned that the halt threatened billions in investments and sent shockwaves through the sector, raising fears that even fully approved developments were vulnerable to abrupt policy shifts.
“I would like to thank President Trump for finding a solution that saves thousands of American jobs and provides for continued investments in energy infrastructure in the U.S.,” said Equinor CEO Anders Opedal in a statement.
He also expressed appreciation to Norway’s leadership for intervening in the matter. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere and Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg had raised the issue during their meeting with President Trump in Washington last month. Opedal also credited New York Governor Kathy Hochul for playing a key role in restarting the project.
Interior Department Yet to Comment
The U.S. Interior Department, which issued the stop-work order in April, has not yet provided a public explanation for the reversal. At the time of the suspension, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum cited concerns over insufficient environmental review. An internal report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had flagged potential threats to marine mammals and fisheries — findings that influenced the decision to halt construction.
Despite this, Equinor now plans to conduct an updated economic assessment in the second quarter. The company aims to begin offshore installations in 2025 and bring the project into commercial operation by 2027. During the halt, Equinor reportedly spent $50 million per week to maintain operations and minimize disruption.
Project Background and Future Plans
Equinor acquired the Empire Wind lease in 2017 during Trump’s first term. The 810-megawatt project later received final approval under the Biden administration in 2023. Now about 30% complete, Empire Wind will utilize turbines supplied by Vestas.
While the Trump administration has taken a hardline stance on wind energy — pausing new leasing and permitting on his first day in office, citing concerns about aesthetics, costs, and wildlife impact — the decision to lift the order marks a shift. Trump has consistently advocated for expanding domestic energy production under his “energy dominance” policy, though he has largely excluded wind from that effort.
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Industry Reaction
The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) praised the administration’s move.
“The administration is clearing the way for major investments to move forward – activating American shipyards, creating high-quality jobs, and accelerating the buildout of infrastructure needed to deliver reliable, domestic energy to the East Coast,” said NOIA President Erik Milito.
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Wider Offshore Wind Landscape
The United States currently has four operational offshore wind farms. In addition to Empire Wind, three more are under construction. These include Sunrise Wind and Revolution Wind — both owned by Danish energy company Ørsted — and Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.
