Story perspectives

Judge Reinstates Empire Wind Project Amid Controversy

1/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal judge lifted U.S. President Donald Trump's stop-work order on the Empire Wind project off Long Island, allowing construction to restart immediately.
The Empire Wind project is a $6 billion offshore wind farm developed by Equinor and was halted in December over vague national security concerns.
Project is over 60% complete.
Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the halt as a "bogus pretense."
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman opposes the project.

1 of 1

Story summary

A federal judge lifted U.S. President Donald Trump's stop-work order on the Empire Wind project off Long Island, allowing construction to restart immediately.
The Empire Wind project is a $6 billion offshore wind farm developed by Equinor and was halted in December over vague national security concerns.
Project is over 60% complete.
Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the halt as a "bogus pretense."
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman opposes the project.