The revocation of the US government’s halt order on Empire Wind 1 construction has been positively received by the offshore wind industry and New York state agencies. With over 1,500 construction workers and a supply chain extending across multiple states, Oceantic Network stated that lifting the order benefits workers and companies in Louisiana, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
“After more than a month of uncertainty, America is back on track with an Above All Energy approach—one that puts thousands of skilled workers back on the job, reignites construction in our nation’s shipyards, and sends mariners back to sea,” said Liz Burdock, president and CEO of Oceantic Network, in a statement on 19 May.
“This moment marks a critical step forward in securing the nation’s energy future and underscores the real, hands-on work building out America’s energy infrastructure to meet rising electricity demand. It’s a win for workers, for the industry—and for the companies in places like Louisiana, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania helping build projects in the northeast.”
Burdock expressed gratitude to government leaders, especially New York Governor Kathy Hochul, for resuming Empire Wind 1 construction, highlighting Hochul’s “unwavering commitment and leadership ensured that offshore wind—the largest energy infrastructure effort in the last 50 years and a cornerstone of New York’s economy—never lost momentum.”
Doreen M. Harris, president and CEO of NYSERDA, the New York agency conducting offshore wind solicitations, also praised the restart of Empire Wind 1 construction.
“I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Burgum for lifting the stop-work order on Empire Wind 1, allowing this transformative clean energy project to progress as planned. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, along with the commitment of Equinor and support from the Sunset Park community and skilled tradespeople, Empire Wind 1 remains central to New York’s energy transition,” Harris stated on 19 May.
Harris emphasized that resuming work on Empire Wind 1 secures jobs for over 1,500 workers and advances “one of the largest energy infrastructure undertakings in the past 50 years to deliver reliable, locally produced energy to New Yorkers.”
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) noted that these workers in construction and maritime trades are returning to work.
“Fully permitted projects require policy consistency to deliver necessary infrastructure for America’s growing electricity demand. Our nation needs diverse energy infrastructure to lower costs and support economic growth,” said ACP CEO Jason Grumet.
“In lifting the stop-work order, the Administration upholds a principle essential to all infrastructure investment. The decision supports an all-encompassing energy policy and aligns with the commitment to reduce bureaucratic barriers in critical infrastructure development nationwide.”
New York Offshore Wind Alliance Director Alicia Gené Artessa welcomed the decision, asserting that offshore wind is crucial for the state’s economy and energy security.
“Lifting the stop-work order saved over a thousand union jobs, secured New York’s energy independence, and brought us closer to cleaner air in disadvantaged communities. We greatly appreciate all our stakeholders, especially our labor partners,” said Artessa.
Located 25-48 kilometers (15-30 miles) southeast of Long Island, Empire Wind 1 will be the first offshore wind farm to connect to New York City’s grid. The project, featuring 54 Vestas 15 MW wind turbines, is expected to produce power by late 2026, with full commissioning in 2027.
A major element of the 810 MW project is the transformation of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT) in Sunset Park, where Equinor will establish Empire Wind’s operations and maintenance facility.
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