I am deeply disappointed by the Trump Administration's abrupt decision to halt construction on the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project, a fully permitted development that was already underway off the coast of Long Island.

This project, which received its federal lease back in March 2017 during President Trump's first term and had its construction and operations plan approved in February 2024, represents a critical step forward in New York's renewable energy future. Empire Wind 1 is designed to generate 810 megawatts of clean energy – enough to power half a million New York homes – and is essential to meeting our state's ambitious climate and renewable energy targets. This administration and its supporters are overlooking the very thing they are advocating for: energy independence.

Offshore wind is a constant renewable resource that can provide the energy we
need with no reliance on any other country. The directive from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Nassau County Executive Blakeman claim the previous administration "rushed through its approval without sufficient analysis," yet this project has undergone years of rigorous environmental review and public consultation. The timing of this decision is particularly troubling as construction was already in progress.

This is not a partisan issue; this is a human issue. This decision threatens not only our climate goals but also the jobs of thousands of workers. Construction related to Empire Wind is employing more than 1,500 workers who now face uncertainty. These are American jobs creating American energy. They need to get back to work! We stand firmly with Governor Hochul in her commitment to fight for this project and call on the Trump Administration to let this project continue.

We echo the sentiments of industry leaders who have noted that this decision undermines our energy security, economic growth, job creation, and environmental progress. Climate change impacts will continue to worsen, and the costs associated with inaction will only increase. Climate change remains the #1 threat to our global economy.

Reducing our use and reliance on fossil fuels through projects like Empire Wind 1 is the most effective way to mitigate these impacts. We call on the Department of the Interior to immediately lift this order and allow this vital project to proceed. Renewable Energy Long Island remains committed to advocating for a clean energy future for our region and will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure offshore wind remains a cornerstone of our energy strategy.

-Melissa Parrot, Executive Director reLI