Offshore Wind Halt Puts New York Jobs, Energy, and Affordability at Risk—Just Before the Holidays
The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced an indefinite suspension of five offshore wind projects currently under construction, including Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind off New York’s coast. This abrupt decision threatens two projects that were already approved, planned, and underway. Creating unnecessary uncertainty for workers, communities, and New York’s clean energy future.
This move comes on the heels of New York’s successful challenge to the Trump administration’s anti-wind executive orders. Now, despite that victory, two critical offshore wind projects serving New Yorkers are being put on ice under unsubstantiated claims of national security concerns. This baseless “pause” is yet another attack on offshore wind, especially on New York’s progress in building a reliable, affordable, and clean energy system.
Workers and Communities Pay the Price
Pausing Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind puts more than 1,800 well-paying union jobs at risk, right before the holidays. These are accessible jobs that support families, strengthen local economies, and help build long-term career pathways in the clean energy sector.
A Major Setback for Energy Reliability
Offshore wind is a cornerstone of New York’s energy future. Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind are expected to deliver a combined 1,700 megawatts of clean, dependable power, enough to supply electricity to one million homes. Suspending these projects threatens New York’s ability to meet rising demand and maintain grid reliability.
New York’s energy needs are growing fast. By 2040, statewide energy demand is expected to increase 25 percent, with electricity consumption rising 50 percent. New York’s grid operator, NYISO, has repeatedly warned that the state faces an increased risk of power shortages if planned projects—including offshore wind and new transmission—are not brought online. Pulling these projects at the last minute only deepens that risk.
Offshore Wind Lowers Bills and Stabilizes Prices
Offshore wind isn’t just about clean power, it’s already helping keep energy bills in check. A recent analysis found that if South Fork Wind, Sunrise Wind, and Empire Wind 1 had been operational in 2022, New Yorkers could have saved $77 million in just one cold month, when heating costs are at their highest.
By reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, offshore wind provides grid-wide price stability, protecting New Yorkers from sudden spikes in energy costs. Suspending these projects worsens the affordability crisis at a time when families are already struggling to pay their bills.
New York Deserves Better
New Yorkers deserve an energy system that is reliable, affordable, and clean—and workers deserve certainty and respect. The federal government should be accelerating projects that strengthen our grid, create good jobs, and protect public health, not halting them without justification.
Empire Wind 1 and Sunrise Wind are ready-to-deploy solutions. Pausing them puts New York further behind at the exact moment we need to move forward.
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