In a controversial decision many dislike, Trump’s administration has approved the resumption of New York’s Empire Wind project, saving over 1,500 union jobs.
See the tweet below.
The offshore wind farm, previously halted due to concerns about rushed approvals under Biden, will now move forward after President Trump collaborated with state officials to save the project.
The decision marks a rare point of agreement between Trump and New York’s Democrat leadership.
The Department of the Interior lifted its stop-work order on the Empire Wind project off the coast of Long Island following interventions from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams.
Governor Hochul said:
“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.”
The project aims to power 500,000 homes with wind energy and is part of New York’s ambitious goal to be fossil fuel-free by 2050.
Norwegian energy company Equinor, which has already invested over $2.5 billion in the project, expressed relief at being able to resume construction.
The company had spent seven years obtaining permits and had completed approximately one-third of the project before the federal government ordered work to stop.
🚨🇺🇸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
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum had initially been halted the project, citing concerns that the Biden administration “rushed through” it without proper review.
The Trump administration has generally prioritized fossil fuels over renewable energy, making this approval a notable exception to its energy policy approach.
Nassau County officials criticized the project, expressing concerns about potential threats to marine life and the fishing industry.
However, wildlife organizations have maintained that there is no evidence linking offshore wind activities to harm to marine mammals, including large whales.
Mayor Eric Adams also expressed his appreciation to the Trump administration for allowing the project to continue, highlighting the importance of collaboration between different levels of government despite political differences.
“I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Doug Burgum for their thorough review, for hearing our requests to resume construction, and for working with the city, state, NYSERDA, and Equinor to get this project back on track,” Adams remarked.
Moreover, Equinor plans to reassess the project’s economics but aims to start operations by 2027.
The company was reportedly at risk of abandoning the entire venture due to financial losses and operational delays caused by the stop-work order, which would have been a significant setback for New York’s clean energy goals.
New York’s ambitious energy transition plan includes sourcing 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieving 9 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2035.
The Empire Wind project represents a critical component of this strategy, despite the ongoing challenges facing the U.S. offshore wind industry, including high costs, supply chain issues, and lengthy permitting processes.
The Trump administration’s decision maintains its commitment to energy development and job creation.
It also demonstrates a strategic approach to balancing fossil fuel priorities with existing renewable energy projects that create American jobs and support economic growth.
