New York, NY — The ambitious buildout of renewable energy projects in downstate New York faces significant challenges, particularly with the recent halt of the Empire Wind 1 project. This initiative was set to play a pivotal role in the state’s transition to renewable energy, promising over 1,500 jobs and enough power for 500,000 homes through the installation of 54 wind turbines off the coast of Long Island.
On Wednesday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum ordered the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to suspend all construction on Empire Wind 1 pending further review. This decision follows concerns that the Biden administration may have rushed the project’s approval without adequate analysis. The halt raises alarms about its potential ramifications for New York’s climate objectives and the growth of green job opportunities, especially in low-income communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
The Empire Wind 1 project is part of a larger strategy to meet New York’s Climate Act goal of achieving a 70% renewable energy grid by 2030. As of now, approximately 44% of New York City’s census tracts are home to low-income communities that have historically faced adverse environmental impacts. The project was seen as a pathway to green union jobs, with plans to redevelop the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal to support its long-term operations.
Equinor, the Norwegian energy company behind Empire Wind 1, confirmed that construction would be temporarily halted. The company is currently evaluating its options, including possible legal remedies to contest the order.
The construction halt threatens thousands of jobs, including 1,000 construction roles, 130 apprenticeships, and 50 permanent positions dedicated to maintaining the wind project. Vincent Alvarez, president of the New York City Central Labor Council, criticized the move, stating, “The reckless and overreaching decision to halt construction jeopardizes the progress New York has made toward cleaner, more affordable energy.”
Esther Rosario, executive director of Climate Jobs NY, highlighted the immediacy of the job losses, noting that union workers were scheduled to begin monopile installations next week. “In just two weeks, those workers won’t have a paycheck coming their way,” Rosario said.
The halt on Empire Wind 1 could delay the state’s energy transition and deter future renewable projects. Alexander Patterson, campaign coordinator for Public Power NY, emphasized that this is part of a troubling trend, stating, “This is just the latest in a long line of projects to be canceled, whether due to financial headwinds or political barriers.”
Rob Freudenberg, vice president of energy and environment programs at the Regional Plan Association, warned that the political instability surrounding renewable energy permits could undermine investor confidence. “If every change in administration means the potential revocation of permits, it breaks the certainty we need moving forward,” he explained.
The suspension of the Empire Wind 1 project sends a concerning signal to those advocating for renewable energy in New York. As the state grapples with its ambitious climate goals amidst political and economic uncertainty, the need for robust and sustainable energy solutions has never been more critical. The future of the Empire Wind project—and New York’s energy landscape—hangs in the balance.
