The future of offshore wind power in New York and across the United States, faced a sudden and jarring roadblock last week. The Trump administration's April 16 order to halt construction on the 810-megawatt Empire Wind 1 project sent shockwaves through the renewable energy sector. Despite being fully permitted and already under construction, the project has been frozen amid a sweeping review of federal leasing and permitting practices.

Empire Wind 1, which would have spanned 80,000 acres in the New York Bight and delivered clean electricity to half a million New York City homes, is now in limbo. The project has already created more than 1,500 U.S. jobs and marked a major step forward in America’s transition to a clean energy future.

Renewable Energy Long Island (reLI) has been a steadfast supporter of offshore wind, and in the wake of this troubling development, Executive Director Melissa Parrott is speaking out. "'Disappointed' would be a word that we would use," she said. "We were optimistic that Trump would understand the value of the U.S.-generated energy that he speaks so much of."

Parrott emphasized the deep contradiction in halting a project that aligns so clearly with domestic energy independence, economic development, and climate resilience. "This is clean power created right off the coast of Long Island. It would power thousands and thousands of homes," she said.

As the federal government moves backward, reLI and its partners are moving forward. "We’re going to get loud," Parrott declared. She pointed to a ramped-up public education campaign aimed at dispelling misinformation and amplifying the real-world benefits of offshore wind. "That’s the biggest thing we’re up against now."

Parrott also spoke to the broader picture: "Utilities are really moving forward well with this clean energy transition, and this momentum is going to be real hard to stop." But she acknowledged the danger of current political interference. "Clearly we’re hitting an area where it’s pausing. The goal is to keep working with the utilities, with Governor Hochul, with our congressmen on keeping the benefits to their constituents and residents of Long Island in mind."

This week, reLI joined a rally at the Nassau County Legislature in response to local opposition stoked by misinformation. The strategy, according to Parrott, is clear: “To fight back and have our own press conference, our own ability to share with the general public facts, science, and benefits, and to be as loud as them in fighting this misinformation."

Now more than ever, projects like Empire Wind 1 represent more than just turbines in the water. They are symbols of economic opportunity, energy resilience, and environmental progress. reLI remains committed to defending New York's clean energy future, and making sure the voices of Long Islanders are heard, loud and clear.

Read more here: https://www.easthamptonstar.com/government/2025424/feds-move-to-halt-offshore-wind