Federal Judge Resumes Construction on Empire Wind Project Amid Legal Battles

Thu Jan 15 2026 21:32:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A federal judge ruled the Empire Wind offshore project in New York can continue construction, marking a significant legal victory for its developer, Equinor, against a suspension order from the Trump administration.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols allowed the Empire Wind project to resume construction while reviewing the government's order that had sought to pause it, citing a lack of adequate justification. The case reflects ongoing tensions between renewable energy initiatives and the former administration's policies on offshore wind projects, with Equinor declaring the project essential for powering over 500,000 homes.

WASHINGTON (RTWNews) — A federal judge has approved the resumption of construction on the Empire Wind project off the coast of New York, delivering a crucial victory for Equinor, the Norwegian company responsible for the project.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols, appointed by President Trump, ruled that construction could proceed as he evaluates the merits of the government's suspension order, which was issued just before Christmas amid national security claims.

The Empire Wind project is a significant part of New York's strategy to shift towards renewable energy, aiming to provide clean power to over 500,000 homes. Judge Nichols noted the administration’s failure to adequately address the points raised in court by Equinor, including allegations of improper process in the suspension.

The current ruling follows similar victories for other developers, including the recent approval for Orsted's Revolution Wind, which is nearly finished and expected to fulfill a substantial portion of energy needs in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The Trump administration's actions have faced legal challenges from multiple developers who argue these decisions threaten crucial renewable energy projects, particularly in a region with limited space for onshore alternatives.

Equinor's senior vice president, Molly Morris, emphasized the project's critical role in expanding New York's clean energy capacity. Furthermore, the recent ruling reflects growing urgency to advance offshore wind projects which are deemed essential for achieving state and national climate goals.

As Equinor proceeds with construction, other developers like Dominion Energy Virginia also push back against the administration’s order, highlighting a broader battle over energy development in the United States.