The Trump administration has lifted a month-long stop-work order on Empire Wind, a $5 billion offshore wind project being developed by Equinor off the coast of New York, following a compromise with the state that may also revive previously cancelled plans for a natural gas pipeline.
Equinor, the Norwegian energy giant, confirmed that construction work can now resume on Empire Wind, which is expected to supply power to 500,000 homes starting in 2027.
The move is seen as part of a broader energy trade-off. U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who halted the project in April citing concerns over rushed environmental approvals under the Biden administration, said he was encouraged by New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s willingness to support new gas pipeline infrastructure. This could potentially resuscitate the long-stalled Constitution Pipeline, originally intended to transport natural gas from Pennsylvania to New York before being scrapped in 2020.
“Americans in New York and New England would benefit economically and see lower utility bills from increased access to reliable, affordable American natural gas,” Burgum stated on social media.
Governor Hochul, while not confirming any specific project revival, said the state would work collaboratively with the federal government and private sector on infrastructure that complies with New York’s legal and environmental standards.
Industry analysts say the compromise could offer mutual gains. “The road ahead for the Constitution Pipeline remains bumpy, but this agreement represents the outline of a potential win-win,” noted EBW Analytics.
Equinor had warned the stop-work order posed a financial risk of billions and disrupted confidence in the offshore wind sector, as Empire Wind had already received federal approvals under the previous administration. Equinor CEO Anders Opedal described the situation as “extraordinary” and welcomed the reversal as a positive signal for investors.
“This was a fully permitted, shovel-ready project that was suddenly halted,” Opedal said, adding that Equinor would provide a full financial update on the delay’s impact when it reports second-quarter earnings in July. The company had been spending roughly $50 million a week to sustain the project during the suspension.
Empire Wind, 30% completed, will use turbines supplied by Denmark’s Vestas. It was initially leased under Trump’s first term in 2017 and received final approval in 2023 under President Joe Biden.
The broader offshore wind sector also responded positively. Shares of Ørsted, the world’s largest offshore wind developer, rose 15%. The company is currently building two U.S. wind projects: Sunrise Wind off New York and Revolution Wind off Rhode Island.
Despite the lifting of the order, President Trump has maintained his opposition to wind energy. On his first day back in office, he signed an executive order pausing new wind project leasing, citing cost, aesthetics, and potential harm to wildlife.
Nonetheless, industry groups welcomed the news. “The administration is clearing the way for major investments – activating shipyards, creating jobs, and advancing domestic energy infrastructure,” said Erik Milito, President of the National Ocean Industries Association.
The U.S. currently has four operational offshore wind farms and four under construction, including Dominion Energy’s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind and Ørsted’s projects, in addition to Empire Wind.
