Story perspectives

Equinor Resumes Empire Wind Project Amid Legal Battle

1/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Court granted a preliminary injunction allowing Equinor to resume Empire Wind construction off New York after a halt over national security concerns.
Judge Carl J. Nichols described "imminent irreparable harm" if delays continued.
Empire Wind is over 60% complete.
The project aims to power about 500,000 homes by 2027.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the actions as harming workers and the state's energy future.

History

Historical Context

The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 mandated U.S. utilities to purchase power from independent producers, fostering renewable energy growth. Equinor's Empire Wind project, expected to power 500,000 homes by 2027, exemplifies this commitment. A recent court ruling emphasizes the urgency of advancing clean energy amid national security concerns, reflecting ongoing tensions between energy development and regulatory challenges in New York.

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Story summary

U.S. District Court granted a preliminary injunction allowing Equinor to resume Empire Wind construction off New York after a halt over national security concerns.
Judge Carl J. Nichols described "imminent irreparable harm" if delays continued.
Empire Wind is over 60% complete.
The project aims to power about 500,000 homes by 2027.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the actions as harming workers and the state's energy future.

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