New York, NY — The Empire Wind 1 project, poised to become a cornerstone of New York’s renewable energy landscape, has been temporarily halted following concerns raised by Rep. Chris Smith and a newly released Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. Smith called for the pause until a complete federal review is conducted, citing potential risks to national security, aviation safety, and maritime navigation.
Rep. Smith highlighted the dangers of rushing construction, warning that it could endanger “some of the nation’s busiest waters” and jeopardize critical FAA radar systems. He referenced the Vineyard Wind turbine collapse last summer, which scattered debris into the ocean, as a concerning example of the environmental risks posed by offshore wind projects, particularly in severe weather conditions.
The GAO report corroborates these worries, indicating that offshore wind turbines can disrupt high-frequency and marine radar systems, affecting military readiness and obstructing flight paths during military exercises. Smith described the findings as “deeply troubling,” emphasizing the need for a thorough examination before proceeding with projects like Empire Wind.
The report points to assessments from the US Department of Energy and a 2022 National Academies study, which found that the reflective surfaces of wind turbines can interfere with radar systems. The GAO warned that smaller vessels may be obscured on radar, increasing the risk of collisions with larger ships.
Smith has been proactive in addressing these issues, introducing an amendment in the House mandating a comprehensive GAO study of wind turbine impacts. Although the Senate blocked the amendment, bipartisan support for the investigation led to the report’s release. He also proposed an amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill requiring certification that wind projects would not interfere with aviation or military radar.
The decision to pause construction on Empire Wind 1, which received over $3 billion in financing in December 2024, highlights a significant escalation in the ongoing debate over offshore wind development. The project was intended to connect to New York City’s grid and provide power for 500,000 homes by its planned completion in 2027.
Observers suggest that the GAO findings will lead to increased scrutiny of future offshore wind projects, particularly those near high-traffic maritime corridors or military installations. As the conversation surrounding offshore wind evolves, national security and safety are now central themes.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her opposition to the federal halt, stating, “As Governor, I will not allow this federal overreach to stand. I will fight this every step of the way to protect union jobs, affordable energy, and New York’s economic future.”
The Oceantic Network, a trade group focused on the offshore renewable energy industry, issued a statement warning that halting a federally permitted project could undermine confidence in investments across multiple sectors. Liz Burdock, the group’s president, emphasized the need for a predictable environment for energy resource development.
Empire Offshore Wind LLC stated it would comply with the federal work halt order while considering its legal options. The company emphasized its commitment to ensuring worker safety and environmental protection during this pause.
As the Empire Wind project faces a critical juncture, the path forward will require careful consideration of both renewable energy goals and national security imperatives. The outcome of this situation could set important precedents for future offshore wind initiatives across the United States.
