Empire Wind 1, developed by Norwegian energy company Equinor, was expected to power half a million homes and create more than 1,500 jobs. But this week, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum directed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to halt the project, citing claims that the Biden administration approved it without adequate environmental review.

The decision follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump on his first day in office, which suspended all new offshore and onshore wind projects, revoked existing offshore leases, and ordered a full review of current developments. Trump, who has frequently criticized wind energy, has called turbines "big, ugly windmills" and claimed they harm wildlife.

Green jobs and climate goals at risk

The cancellation has sparked outcry from labor unions, climate advocates, and city officials. The project was central to New York's plan to reach 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and had been hailed as a rare large-scale renewable effort in the densely populated downstate region.

Construction had already begun at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, which was being transformed into a long-term base for wind turbine assembly and maintenance. The project was expected to deliver over 1,000 construction jobs, 130 apprenticeships, and 50 permanent union positions.

In Sunset Park — a low-income, pollution-burdened neighborhood near the terminal — residents had fought for years to be part of the clean energy transition. "Our community has been pushing to be included in climate solutions and green jobs," said City Council member Alexa Avilés. "This stop-work order undermines all of that."

Industry uncertainty deepens

Equinor says it is exploring legal options to challenge the federal order. Labor leaders warn the decision could stall urgently needed progress and leave workers without pay. "Workers were scheduled to begin offshore installation within days," said Esther Rosario, director of Climate Jobs NY. "Now they're facing lost wages and broken promises."

Climate advocates say the move creates a chilling effect for renewable development nationwide. "If every new administration can reverse course and cancel projects midstream, how can we build a stable clean energy future?" said Rob Freudenberg of the Regional Plan Association.

With a growing number of renewable projects already delayed due to inflation and supply chain issues, the shutdown of Empire Wind 1 is a major setback — not just for New York's energy transition, but for national climate momentum.