Overview

• The Trump administration lifted a stop-work order on Equinor's Empire Wind project, allowing construction to continue after a month-long pause.
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul played a key role in securing the reversal through extensive negotiations with federal officials, emphasizing the project's importance for jobs and clean energy.
• The Empire Wind project, located south of Long Island, is 30% complete and aims to power 500,000 homes by 2027 with 810 megawatts of renewable energy.
• Interior Secretary Doug Burgum initially halted the project in April, citing concerns over rushed approvals under the Biden administration, but later signaled progress on a natural gas pipeline compromise during discussions.
• The resumption preserves 1,500 union jobs and aligns with New York's renewable energy goals, which include achieving 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and 9 GW of offshore wind by 2035.