Renewable Energy Long Island Statement on Empire Wind Court Ruling

Renewable Energy Long Island (reLI) applauds today's federal court decision allowing Equinor to resume work on the Empire Wind offshore wind project.

This ruling ends weeks of unnecessary uncertainty for workers, communities, and New York's clean energy future. Empire Wind has undergone years of rigorous environmental review and close coordination with federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. Halting it was never justified—and today's decision confirms that.

Offshore wind is already delivering for Long Island. South Fork Wind, New York's first operational project, powers 70,000 homes while supporting hundreds of union jobs in construction, operations, and marine trades. Empire Wind builds on this success, bringing enough clean electricity for 500,000 homes while creating good-paying union careers and strengthening our grid.

This is what climate action looks like: real infrastructure, real jobs, and real progress toward New York's climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Empire Wind will lower energy costs, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels that harm public health, and build the resilient local economy Long Island needs.

Today's ruling is a win for workers, a win for New York's energy security, and a win for our climate. Offshore wind works—and it's time to build.

Renewable Energy Long Island