WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge is considering whether to set aside a Trump administration order pausing construction on a major offshore wind farm for New York, which the developer says could lead to the demise of a project that is currently 60% complete.
The Empire Wind project is designed to provide energy for more than 500,000 homes. Norwegian company Equinor has expressed concern that the project's future is in jeopardy due to the limited availability of specialized vessels and significant financial setbacks. This project is among five major offshore wind initiatives on the East Coast affected by the pause instituted by the Trump administration, which cited national security reasons. Equinor and several states have thus filed lawsuits in a bid to contest the suspension.
On Wednesday, District Judge Carl J. Nichols, a Trump appointee, held a hearing but did not issue a ruling. He stated that he needed time to consider the legal arguments and hinted at possibly allowing construction to proceed while he deliberates.
Nichols scrutinized the government's failure to address crucial questions raised by Empire Wind's lawyers about the legitimacy of the Trump's administration’s procedures, questioning why their brief omitted the term 'arbitrary.'
The national security rationale for the suspension was submitted in secret, with the Trump administration providing no specifics publicly, leading to a lack of clarity regarding the accusations against the offshore projects. This comes as the U.S. administration appears to be at odds with numerous other countries that are investing heavily in renewable energy. According to some analysts, nearly all new electricity added to the national grid last year came from renewable sources.
In another case earlier this week, a judge allowed the continuation of work on a wind project aimed at benefiting Rhode Island and Connecticut. The Trump administration's freeze on offshore wind projects has drawn significant criticism, with Trump himself labeling wind projects as ineffective and damaging.
Equinor has invested around $4 billion into the Empire Wind project and has stated its readiness to mitigate any security concerns that have not been previously addressed through their discussions with various defense authorities. The firm emphasizes the pressing need for an approved specialized vessel, the Sleipnir, due to its scheduled departure for other engagements.
The ripple effect of the administration’s suspension has the potential to disrupt multiple ongoing and planned offshore wind projects that are key not only to New York’s energy strategy but also to broader national renewable energy goals.
The Empire Wind project is designed to provide energy for more than 500,000 homes. Norwegian company Equinor has expressed concern that the project's future is in jeopardy due to the limited availability of specialized vessels and significant financial setbacks. This project is among five major offshore wind initiatives on the East Coast affected by the pause instituted by the Trump administration, which cited national security reasons. Equinor and several states have thus filed lawsuits in a bid to contest the suspension.
On Wednesday, District Judge Carl J. Nichols, a Trump appointee, held a hearing but did not issue a ruling. He stated that he needed time to consider the legal arguments and hinted at possibly allowing construction to proceed while he deliberates.
Nichols scrutinized the government's failure to address crucial questions raised by Empire Wind's lawyers about the legitimacy of the Trump's administration’s procedures, questioning why their brief omitted the term 'arbitrary.'
The national security rationale for the suspension was submitted in secret, with the Trump administration providing no specifics publicly, leading to a lack of clarity regarding the accusations against the offshore projects. This comes as the U.S. administration appears to be at odds with numerous other countries that are investing heavily in renewable energy. According to some analysts, nearly all new electricity added to the national grid last year came from renewable sources.
In another case earlier this week, a judge allowed the continuation of work on a wind project aimed at benefiting Rhode Island and Connecticut. The Trump administration's freeze on offshore wind projects has drawn significant criticism, with Trump himself labeling wind projects as ineffective and damaging.
Equinor has invested around $4 billion into the Empire Wind project and has stated its readiness to mitigate any security concerns that have not been previously addressed through their discussions with various defense authorities. The firm emphasizes the pressing need for an approved specialized vessel, the Sleipnir, due to its scheduled departure for other engagements.
The ripple effect of the administration’s suspension has the potential to disrupt multiple ongoing and planned offshore wind projects that are key not only to New York’s energy strategy but also to broader national renewable energy goals.
