In a major change that would shift the administration landscape, Trump officials lifted a stop-work order on the controversial Empire Wind project off the coast of Long Island.
This would save over 1,000 union jobs, but raises questions about its environmental impact.
Read the tweet below.
The reversal comes after negotiations with New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, despite the Trump team’s general skepticism toward renewable energy projects.
Conservative critics are watching closely to see what concessions New York may have made to secure this surprising approval.
The past administration had hastily approved the massive offshore wind project before proper environmental impact studies could be completed.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum described the previous approval as being “rushed through” without adequate consideration for potential consequences to marine life and local economies.
Governor Hochul stated:
“I want to thank President Trump for his willingness to work with me to save the 1,500 good-paying union jobs that were on the line and helping get this essential project back on track. New York’s economic future is going to be powered by abundant, clean energy that helps our homes and businesses thrive. I fought to save clean energy jobs in New York — and we got it done.”
Despite these concerns, the Trump administration determined that allowing the project to continue was the most pragmatic solution, particularly given that 1,500 union jobs were at stake and the project was already over 30% complete.
Equinor, the Norwegian company behind the development, has already invested more than $2.5 billion and spent seven years securing the necessary permits.
Yet, local Republican officials from Nassau County had opposed the project, citing legitimate concerns about potential harm to marine life and the fishing industry.
These environmental and economic worries have consistently surrounded massive offshore wind installations, which often marginalize traditional energy industries that have sustained coastal communities for generations.
The Empire Wind project is a key component of New York’s radical green energy agenda, which aims to source 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieve a fossil fuel-free grid by 2050.
Such ambitious targets have faced criticism for potentially raising energy costs for working Americans and threatening reliable power delivery during peak demand periods.
Equinor President and CEO Anders Opedal expressed gratitude for the Trump administration’s decision, which came after intense lobbying from New York officials.
“We appreciate the fact that construction can now resume on Empire Wind, a project which underscores our commitment to deliver energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs,” Opedal remarked.
In addition, the decision represents a rare instance of cooperation between the Trump administration and Democrat-led New York, suggesting that behind-the-scenes negotiations may have included concessions favorable to American energy independence.
Equinor plans to reassess the project’s economics before proceeding. If technical and financial challenges can be overcome, operations are tentatively scheduled to begin by 2027.
The U.S. offshore wind industry has faced significant challenges, including high costs, supply chain issues, and lengthy permitting processes.
Still, this change shows the Trump administration’s commitment to balancing environmental concerns with practical economic realities and keeping American workers employed.
🚨🇺🇸TRUMP SHUTS DOWN NY WIND FARM PROJECT—SAYS “NOT ON MY COASTLINE”
The Trump administration just pulled the plug on Equinor’s Empire Wind project near New York, tossing a wrench into the offshore turbine craze.
Interior Secretary Burgum says Biden’s approval was full of… pic.twitter.com/wtjPpUAolV
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 18, 2025
