Federal Judge Greenlights NY Offshore Wind Project Resume

A New York offshore wind project that could power more than 500,000 homes is back on track after a federal judge ruled construction can resume immediately.

District Judge Carl J. Nichols cleared Empire Wind to continue building after the developer argued a construction pause would kill the project within days. The Norwegian company Equinor had warned that specialized vessels needed for construction were only available for a limited window, and stopping work would mean massive financial losses and potential project collapse.

The ruling marks the second win this week for offshore wind developers. On Monday, another judge allowed the Revolution Wind project serving Rhode Island and Connecticut to restart, with that farm now nearly complete and ready to provide 20% of Rhode Island's electricity needs.

Empire Wind is already 60% finished. When completed, it will deliver major clean energy to New York, helping the state meet renewable energy goals while creating jobs in the growing offshore wind industry.

The judge faulted the government for not properly responding to key legal points, including claims that proper procedures weren't followed when ordering the pause. During hearings, he noted the government's main security concerns seemed focused on operating the turbines, not building them.

The Ripple Effect

These court victories signal momentum for East Coast renewable energy plans that depend on ocean-based wind farms. States like New York, Rhode Island, and Connecticut have limited space for land-based wind turbines or solar arrays, making offshore wind essential for their clean energy transitions.

The Revolution Wind project in Rhode Island will soon meet roughly 20% of the state's electricity needs. Empire Wind will add power for hundreds of thousands of New York homes once construction wraps up.

Two more developers are now challenging similar construction pauses. Dominion Energy Virginia plans to ask a judge Friday to resume work on its Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, while Orsted is fighting for its Sunrise Wind project in New York.

David Schoetz, spokesperson for Equinor, said the company welcomes the court's decision and looks forward to working with authorities to complete this essential new power source for New York.

Clean energy is moving forward, one turbine at a time.