Construction Halted on Equinor’s Empire Wind Project off New York Coast

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has ordered a halt to construction on Equinor’s Empire Wind project off the coast of New York, citing insufficient environmental analysis by the Biden administration. The decision comes as a significant setback for Norway’s Equinor and the emerging U.S. offshore wind industry, which have been key components of President Joe Biden’s plan to decarbonize the power grid and combat climate change.

Burgum’s announcement on Wednesday raised questions about the approval process for the Empire Wind project and highlighted the need for further review. The details of the identified faults were not disclosed, but the sudden stop work order has put a pause on the project’s progress.

An Equinor spokesperson confirmed that the company had received the stop work order from the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the agency responsible for permitting offshore energy projects. Equinor expressed willingness to engage with BOEM and the Department of Interior to address the concerns raised and determine the next steps.

The decision to halt construction on Empire Wind stems from a broader review of offshore wind permitting and leasing initiated by President Donald Trump in January. Interior officials are expected to provide more information on the rationale behind the decision in the coming days.

Impact of the Halt

The Empire Wind project, approved by the Biden administration in November 2023, was set to play a crucial role in New York’s efforts to transition to clean energy sources. The project, located 12 nautical miles south of Long Island, was designed to generate enough electricity to power 700,000 homes annually.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the economic benefits of the project, noting its contribution to job creation and the state’s energy goals. Hochul vowed to challenge the federal decision and protect the project’s progress to safeguard union jobs and promote affordable energy solutions.

Despite the setback, industry stakeholders remain committed to advancing renewable energy initiatives and supporting national energy objectives. The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) affirmed its support for energy dominance goals and highlighted the industry’s expertise in developing offshore projects that align with environmental and economic priorities.

As the regulatory landscape evolves, collaboration between federal agencies, industry players, and stakeholders will be essential to address concerns and deliver sustainable energy solutions that benefit all Americans.

(Reporting by Reuters and staff)