White House Lifts Ban on NY Offshore Wind Project

Project Scope and Progress

• Empire Wind, located 15 to 30 miles off the coast of Long Island, New York, is being developed by Norway-based Equinor and is designed to deliver 810 megawatts of power.

• Equinor said construction was “more than 30% complete” when the stop-work order was issued on April 16, 2025.

• The nonresidential construction project had already obtained federal permits and begun offshore installation, including the massive wind-turbine foundations.

Timeline and Construction Impact

• Federal officials said the stop-work order was necessary for further environmental review. The stoppage put the project at risk of cancellation and was costing Equinor an estimated $50 million per week in delays.

• With the order now lifted, Equinor is coordinating with suppliers and regulators to minimize the impact of the delay.

• The company aims to complete the deepwater installation phase before the close of 2025.

Industry and Economic Significance

• Empire Wind is seen as a key component of New York’s efforts to meet rising energy demand and transition to renewable sources, particularly as the state faces transmission constraints into New York City.

• The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, activate American shipyards, and stimulate domestic manufacturing and infrastructure development.

• Industry groups and state officials praised the lifting of the stop-work order, emphasizing the project’s role in supporting local economies and advancing U.S. energy independence.

Empire Wind, shown in a rendering, is an offshore wind project located 15 to 30 miles off the coast of Long Island, New York. Norway-based Equinor is developing the project, which is designed to deliver 810 megawatts of power.

Looking Ahead

With construction restarting, the planned start of commercial operations in 2027 remains unchanged.

Equinor said in a statement that “The United States is a core country in Equinor’s portfolio. Since the early 2000s, Equinor has invested approximately USD 60 billion in U.S. energy projects, mainly within oil and gas, and more recently within low-carbon solutions, critical minerals, and renewables.”