Judge Clears Path for Empire Wind Project Construction to Resume

In a significant legal victory for renewable energy, a federal judge has ruled that construction for the Empire Wind project can resume. The $5 billion project, located off the coast of Long Island, was halted last month due to national security concerns raised by the federal government.

Judge’s Ruling and Project Details

On January 15, 2026, U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols determined that halting the Empire Wind project would likely cause irreparable harm. The project, which is approximately 60 percent complete, was previously stopped alongside four other offshore wind initiatives along the East Coast.

Impact of the Decision

Attorneys representing Empire Wind argued that further delays would place the project at existential risk. Norway’s Equinor, the energy company managing the initiative, stated that without a swift restart, it could incur over $1 billion in contract losses.

Legal Background

The judge emphasized that the Interior Department failed to provide Empire Wind with necessary notice or a chance to respond before ordering the construction halt, which is mandated by law. This decision marks the second judicial blow to the Trump administration’s attempts to stymie renewable energy projects along the East Coast. Earlier this week, another judge allowed the Revolution Wind project, a wind farm off Rhode Island and Connecticut, to continue its construction amidst ongoing litigation.

Concerns and Responses

• The Interior Department had suspended construction for 90 days while reviewing classified security issues.
• The collective value of the halted wind farms is estimated at $25 billion.
• These projects are expected to power over 2.5 million buildings and create thousands of jobs.

Governors and state officials, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, voiced strong opposition to the federal halt. Governor Hochul called the administration’s security claims a “bogus pretense” and stressed the requirement for transparency regarding any national security threats related to offshore wind energy.

Future Implications

Equinor has expressed its intent to promptly recommence construction activities for the Empire Wind project while also seeking cooperative discussions with the administration. Meanwhile, opposition groups are urging the Interior Department to appeal the ruling.

This judicial decision reflects an ongoing commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives in the United States. The federal government’s actions surrounding these projects suggest a conflict between energy innovation and political agendas.