A major offshore wind energy project off the coast of New York is set to resume construction after the Biden administration officially lifted a pause that was originally imposed during former President Donald Trump’s tenure. The announcement marks a key milestone in the U.S. push toward renewable energy and signals renewed federal support for clean power infrastructure.
The project, led by energy developer Equinor, had been placed on hold amid a broader regulatory freeze on offshore wind developments initiated by the Trump administration. The pause had delayed environmental reviews and permitting for several East Coast projects, sparking concern among environmental advocates and state officials pushing for aggressive climate goals.
With the pause now lifted, Equinor says it will move forward with the next phase of development on the Empire Wind project, a large-scale offshore wind farm located roughly 15 to 30 miles south of Long Island. Once complete, Empire Wind is expected to generate over 2 gigawatts of renewable energy—enough to power more than a million homes.
“We’re excited to get back to work on Empire Wind, which will help bring clean, reliable energy to New Yorkers and advance the state’s climate and energy targets,” said a company spokesperson. “This decision underscores the federal government’s renewed commitment to offshore wind development.”
The U.S. Department of the Interior confirmed the lifting of the pause, emphasizing the project’s alignment with President Joe Biden’s national goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030. New York State, which has its own aggressive climate agenda, has pledged to secure 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade.
Environmental groups welcomed the decision, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind. The Empire Wind project alone is projected to create thousands of union jobs during construction and operation while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.
However, critics—including some fishing industry representatives and coastal communities—have raised concerns over potential impacts on marine ecosystems and local economies. Federal officials stated that environmental reviews will continue as part of the permitting process to ensure responsible development.
The resumption of the project comes as several other offshore wind initiatives along the East Coast also gain momentum, following years of delays and policy uncertainty.
With construction now back on track, Equinor aims to begin delivering power from Empire Wind by the late 2020s, contributing to both state and national renewable energy goals.
Source : Swifteradio.com
