Sign our Petition to Support Offshore Wind: https://actions.nylcv.org/a/reli-wind

We are thrilled to share some great news: construction on the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project is officially back on track. After a month-long pause caused by a federal stop-work order issued by the Trump administration, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has reversed course and lifted the order — allowing this vital clean energy project to move forward once again.

At Renewable Energy Long Island, we have been closely following this situation and working alongside clean energy advocates, state leaders, and community allies to ensure that Empire Wind 1 and New York’s renewable energy future doesn’t get derailed.

This is a major win. For our climate. For union jobs. For energy independence. And for Long Island.

A Setback Reversed

Empire Wind 1, developed by Equinor, is a landmark offshore wind project located 15 miles south of Long Beach. Once complete, its 54 turbines will generate 816 megawatts of clean, renewable energy — enough to power half a million New York homes. It will also significantly advance the goals set forth in New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which calls for 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% zero-emissions electricity by 2040.

This project was abruptly halted in April by a stop-work order from the U.S. Department of the Interior, putting thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and our state’s clean energy commitments at risk. That’s why we’re so relieved  and energized  by the decision to lift that order and let the work resume.

Leadership That Listened

We’re deeply grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and NYSERDA President Doreen Harris for standing strong. They never gave up engaging directly with the administration and developers to stress the urgency of this project for New Yorkers and the climate.

Our Executive Director, Melissa Parrott, put it plainly:

“This is such a win, and we’re so grateful for the support from Governor Hochul and Doreen Harris for never giving up and consistently negotiating with President Trump’s administration. Obviously, climate change is the real issue here, but we can’t forget that offshore wind brings jobs to our local economy.”

Setting the Record Straight on Offshore Wind

As construction resumes, we must also stay vigilant in the face of harmful misinformation. Offshore wind has become a target of unfounded claims — from exaggerated impacts on marine life to outright falsehoods about turbine safety and health.

We want to be clear:
✔ Offshore wind is safe
✔ It’s proven
✔ And it’s essential to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels

As Melissa emphasized:

“One area we can’t lose track of is the misinformation campaigns out there with offshore wind. Wind is good. It’s clean. It’s better for everyone’s all-around health and well-being. Do your own fact-finding.”

Looking Ahead

Empire Wind 1 is now back on course for offshore construction in 2025 and commercial operation in 2027. Work at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal and other key infrastructure sites continues, with over 1,000 union jobs preserved by the lifting of the stop-work order.

We’ll continue to fight for clean energy, support good jobs, and push back against efforts to stall our progress. This win reminds us: people power, community advocacy, and unwavering commitment to climate justice make a difference.

Read more here: https://www.easthamptonstar.com/government/2025522/empire-wind-1-can-now-proceed

Sign our Petition to Support Offshore Wind: https://actions.nylcv.org/a/reli-wind