Equinor Joins the Fight
Later Friday, Norwegian energy company Equinor said it, too, is heading to the same federal court, challenging the halt of its Empire Wind project off the coast of New York.
The federal government paused leases for five East Coast offshore wind developments in December, citing “national security risks” identified by the Department of War in recently completed classified reports.
Equinor said it has coordinated closely with federal officials on national security reviews since securing its lease in 2017, including consultations with the Department of War, and has complied with all relevant requirements.
A Pattern of Disruption in Renewable Energy
The offshore wind stoppage is the latest in a series of actions that have sent tremors through the renewable energy industry. The Trump administration has previously paused federal permits and leasing for wind projects both on land and offshore, leaving developers navigating months of uncertainty.
President Donald Trump has also publicly criticized wind power, deriding what he once called “big ugly windmills.”
