The Trump Administration Lifts Stop-Work Order on Major Offshore Wind Project

After a month-long halt on construction activities, the Trump administration has lifted the stop-work order on the Empire Wind project off the coast of New York. This decision comes as a relief to Norwegian energy company Equinor, the developer behind the $5 billion offshore wind facility.

Equinor expressed gratitude towards President Trump for finding a solution that not only saves thousands of American jobs but also allows for continued investments in energy infrastructure in the U.S. CEO Anders Opedal also acknowledged Norway’s leadership for their role in raising the issue with the Trump administration.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul played a crucial role in getting the project back on track, according to Opedal. The Empire Wind project, expected to provide power for half a million New York homes, is now allowed to resume construction activities.

The project, which was approved under former President Joe Biden in 2023, is 30% complete. However, on April 16, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum ordered Equinor to halt construction, citing concerns over insufficient environmental analysis. This decision was based on an internal report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Despite facing challenges and the risk of cancellation, Equinor remained committed to the project, spending $50 million a week to keep it afloat. The administration’s decision to lift the stop-work order has been welcomed by industry groups, including the National Ocean Industries Association.

President Trump’s energy dominance agenda has excluded wind energy, with a focus on expanding domestic energy production. However, the lifting of the stop-work order on the Empire Wind project signals a positive step towards activating American shipyards, creating high-quality jobs, and accelerating the buildout of infrastructure for reliable domestic energy on the East Coast.

As power demand continues to surge due to advancements in technology such as AI, data centers, and advanced manufacturing, offshore wind projects like Empire Wind play a crucial role in providing a sustainable energy solution.

This development marks a significant milestone in the progress of the Empire Wind project and underscores the importance of collaboration between government entities, industry stakeholders, and developers to drive forward clean energy initiatives for a sustainable future.

(Reuters – Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by Chris Reese)