The Trump administration has greenlit the continuation of significant offshore wind initiatives to facilitate New York’s reopening efforts.
Norwegian energy developer Equinor announced on Monday that the Office of Marine Energy Management has lifted the halt on the Imperial Wind Project, allowing construction to proceed.
The work had been on hold since last month when Interior Secretary Doug Bulgham supervised the Maritime Energy Management Office’s order to halt construction pending permission verification. Bulgham stated that the Biden administration appeared to be “rushed” in providing confirmations. Equinor has secured a seven-year permit and has invested over $2.5 billion to date, achieving a third of the project’s completion.
Equinor President and CEO Anders Opedal expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for enabling the project’s advancement, which he noted would preserve approximately 1,500 jobs and boost investments in US energy infrastructure. He also thanked New York’s governor, New York City’s mayor, council members, labor organizations, and Norwegian officials who contributed to the project’s revival. The Norwegian government holds a majority stake in Equinor.
“We are thankful that construction can resume at Empire Wind, a project that highlights our dedication to supporting the local economy, supplying energy, and creating job opportunities,” Opedal stated.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul mentioned that numerous discussions with Equinor and White House representatives emphasized the necessity of involving workforce and business interests, underlining the project’s significance in getting the empire back on track. Equinor is developing Empire Wind, located south of Long Island, aiming to supply power to over 500,000 New York homes by 2026.
“The future of New York’s economy will hinge on the abundant and clean energy that will empower our homes and businesses. I have fought to protect clean energy jobs in New York, and we have succeeded.”
The Interior Department announced on Tuesday that the suspension of the project has been lifted, and permission reviews will continue.
Large offshore wind farms have been generating electricity in Europe for the past 30 years and more recently in Asia. However, the industry faces challenges in the US due to high costs, supply chain issues, and lengthy permitting processes.
Trump prioritized fossil fuels and resisted renewable energy initiatives upon resuming his presidency. One of his early actions was to mandate a suspension of offshore lease sales. Permitting, approvals, and loans for all wind projects in federal waters come under stringent scrutiny. However, the ongoing project under the regime’s imperial-style targeting went even further.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers noted in a statement Friday that while aiming to unleash America’s energy potential, Trump has “suspended certain wind projects that pose a threat to our cherished wildlife, including birds and whales.”
There are no established connections between the recent whale deaths and ongoing offshore wind activities; according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Wind turbines could jeopardize bird populations, but wildlife conservation groups advocate for responsible offshore wind development, as climate change poses a far greater threat.
New York Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer welcomed the lifting of the suspension order on Monday, stating that Empire Wind would greatly benefit Long Island’s economy and the welfare of all New Yorkers.
Supporters of offshore wind also celebrated the decision. The Marine Network stated that it represents a victory for workers, industries, and businesses across states like Louisiana, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, aiding in project development in the Northeast.
Equinor stated on May 9 that it was forced to halt the Empire Wind project shortly unless the administration allowed an order suspending construction. Equinor was incurring costs of up to $50 million weekly, with 11 ships on standby.
Equinor obtained federal leasing rights in March 2017, during Trump’s administration. The federal government approved the project’s construction and operational plan in February 2024.
New York aims to source 70% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030, with 9 gigawatts of offshore wind power projected offshore by 2035. The state is home to the country’s first commercially-scaled offshore wind farm: the 12-turbine South Fork wind farm, which began operations last year, managed by various companies east of Montauk Point, New York.
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Source: apnews.com