Trump administration reverses course on $5 billion New York offshore wind project after intense pressure from Norway and Governor Hochul.
At a Glance
- The Trump administration rescinded a month-long stop-work order on New York’s Empire Wind 1 project
- Norwegian energy company Equinor was losing approximately $50 million weekly during the halt
- The delay threatened 1,500 union jobs and future power for 500,000 homes
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s initial halt cited “flawed science” without supporting evidence
- NOAA Fisheries confirmed no scientific link between whale deaths and offshore wind activities
Pressure from Norway and New York Forces Reversal
The Trump administration reversed a stop-work order on New York’s largest offshore wind farm on May 19, just over a month after halting construction. The Empire Wind 1 project, led by Norwegian energy company Equinor, had been suspended by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on April 16, citing concerns about “flawed science” allegedly linking the construction to whale deaths. This claim lacked supporting data according to multiple federal agencies. The suspension threatened not only 1,500 union jobs but also put at risk power generation for approximately 500,000 homes.
Norwegian officials joined forces with New York Governor Kathy Hochul to lobby intensively for the reversal. The financial stakes were significant, with Equinor reporting losses of approximately $50 million per week during the work stoppage. Norway, a NATO ally, holds a 67% stake in Equinor, making this project a matter of international economic diplomacy. The $5 billion project carries substantial implications for both Norwegian investors and New York’s energy infrastructure plans.
Science Contradicts Initial Claims
The original work stoppage was notably undermined by scientific assessments from federal agencies. NOAA Fisheries, the leading government authority on marine life, issued a clear statement contradicting the justification for the halt. Whale deaths in the Atlantic region have primarily been attributed to vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement according to their research, not offshore wind development activities. This scientific contradiction placed additional pressure on the administration to reconsider its position.
“There is no scientific evidence linking large whale deaths to ongoing offshore wind activities.” – NOAA Fisheries.
The reversal came after a month of increasing scrutiny over the decision. Environmental reports have indicated that offshore wind projects like Empire Wind 1 could have saved New York residents approximately $77 million during a single cold winter month in 2022. This economic benefit, coupled with the project’s role in achieving New York’s 2040 zero-emissions mandate, underscored the practical implications of the administration’s decision beyond environmental concerns.
Critical Energy Infrastructure for New York
Empire Wind 1 represents a significant component of New York State’s energy strategy. A recent report indicated potential energy shortages in New York City and Long Island without offshore wind farms like this one coming online. The project aims to be fully operational by 2027, with Equinor targeting key installation milestones by 2025. Following the reversal of the work stoppage, Equinor announced plans to reassess the project’s economics and work with regulators to address the impacts of the delays.
“We appreciate the fact that construction can now resume.” – Equinor CEO Anders Opedal.
Governor Hochul celebrated the decision as a victory for both clean energy and jobs in New York. The reversal highlights the complex balancing act between environmental concerns, international relations, and domestic energy needs that the administration faces when making energy policy decisions. While the project is now cleared to proceed, the month-long delay has created challenges for Equinor’s timeline and budget that will need to be addressed as construction resumes.
