The Norwegian energy company Equinor has issued a warning that it will terminate the Empire Wind project off Long Island’s coast within days if the Trump administration continues to keep it in limbo.
Equinor revealed that it is losing $50 million per week since the Department of the Interior under Trump halted construction on the project. The wind farm is expected to provide energy to 500,000 homes in New York City.
Molly Morris, Equinor’s president of Renewables in America, stated, “We will have to terminate the program within days if we don’t have a resolution with the federal government. This situation is unsustainable.”
The potential loss of the Empire Wind project would impact New York state’s green energy goals and result in the loss of thousands of jobs related to the wind farm’s construction.
Despite having received all necessary permits from the prior Biden administration last year, the project is currently suspended, which Equinor deems “unlawful.”
Empire Wind, which is over 30% complete, has already spent over $2.5 billion on construction. The project created 1,500 jobs and was expected to generate up to 4,000 jobs in various states.
However, opposition to the 54-turbine wind farm comes from Long Island communities, commercial fishermen, and Republican allies of President Trump.
Trump’s Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum halted the project, citing concerns about the approval process. Equinor maintains that all necessary approvals were obtained before construction began.
Mayor Eric Adams has expressed support for the Empire Wind project and is working to save it despite Trump’s opposition to wind power.
President Trump’s executive order to block new offshore wind projects does not directly affect projects like Empire Wind, which already have federal approval.
