A federal judge on Thursday ruled that construction on the Empire Wind offshore wind project off New York can resume, dealing a setback to President Donald Trump's efforts to halt such developments. The decision by District Judge Carl J Nichols, a Trump appointee, allows the Norwegian energy company Equinor to continue work while he considers the merits of the government's order to suspend the project.
Judge Nichols criticised the government for failing to respond to key arguments in Equinor's court filings, including claims that the administration violated proper procedure. The project was one of five large offshore wind developments paused by the Trump administration days before Christmas, citing national security concerns. Trump has repeatedly called wind farms “losers” that destroy landscapes and kill birds.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul welcomed the ruling, telling reporters the projects had been “stopped under the bogus pretense of national security”. She said she asked for a briefing on any threat but received no answer. Equinor spokesperson David Schoetz said the company appreciated the court's decision and would continue to collaborate with authorities.
This is the second legal victory for offshore wind developers this week. On Monday, a judge ruled that Danish company Orsted could resume its Revolution Wind project serving Rhode Island and Connecticut. Orsted is also challenging the pause of its Sunrise Wind project for New York, with a hearing pending. Dominion Energy Virginia plans to ask a judge on Friday to lift the order for its Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind.
The Empire Wind project is about 14 miles offshore and 60% complete, designed to power more than 500,000 homes. Equinor argued it faced irreparable harm due to limited vessel availability and financial losses. Opponents of offshore wind, particularly in New Jersey, urged the administration to appeal. Meanwhile, the global offshore wind market continues to grow, with the UK recently securing a record 8.4 GW in its latest auction.
