The United States is facing a major challenge in its clean energy journey. In April 2025, the U.S. federal government ordered a pause on construction of Equinor’s Empire Wind project, a $5 billion offshore wind farm planned to supply clean energy to New York City. This decision, led by U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum under President Donald Trump’s administration, has raised questions about the future of offshore wind in the country.
Empire Wind Anchored: $5B Project Comes to a Sudden Stop
Empire Wind was expected to be one of the largest offshore wind farms in the U.S., with 54 turbines located about 15–30 miles off Long Island. The site was planned to deliver 810 megawatts (MW) of power—enough to supply about 500,000 homes. Construction started in 2024 at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, with full operation planned by 2027.
The project was part of a contract with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and had already received both federal and state permits. The decision to stop work came as part of a broader federal review of offshore wind projects, with officials claiming the project was approved too quickly under the Biden administration.
Equinor responded by pausing work and saying it would engage with the government to understand the new requirements. The company is also considering legal options to fight the order.
A Shift in Federal Energy Policy
The pause is not just about one project—it’s part of a wider change in energy policy. In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order that paused all new offshore wind leases and required extra review of already-approved projects. The administration said the goal was to protect grid reliability and avoid rushed decisions.
But many experts and industry leaders are concerned. Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association, said,
“Doubling back to reconsider permits after projects are under construction sends a chilling signal to all energy investment.”
Others agree. The Oceantic Network, which supports offshore wind, said over $40 billion has already been invested in U.S. offshore wind energy projects. If more projects are delayed or canceled, it could affect jobs, local economies, and clean energy goals.
A Blow to New York’s Clean Energy Plans
The Empire Wind project was central to New York’s plan to get 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the federal move as “overreach” and promised to fight it. She said,
“I will fight this every step of the way to protect union jobs, affordable energy, and New York’s economic future.”
According to NYSERDA’s president, Doreen Harris, the project pause goes against the federal government’s own goals of encouraging local energy. She called offshore wind “a once-in-a-generation economic powerhouse.”
Offshore Wind in the US: Recent Growth and Challenges
Offshore wind has seen big growth in the U.S. in recent years, especially under the Biden administration. In 2024, the country added about 5.1 GW gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity in various stages of development. Total capacity for the same year is 80,523 MW, as shown below.
Although only two small offshore wind farms were operational (Block Island Wind Farm and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind pilot project), major projects were in progress in several states, including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California.
In 2024, progress continued with projects like Vineyard Wind in Massachusetts, which began delivering power to the grid. But challenges also grew. Inflation, high costs, supply chain issues, and policy uncertainty have delayed or canceled some projects. Major companies like Shell and TotalEnergies pulled back from the sector, citing financial risks.
Now, the pause on Equinor’s Empire Wind adds a new layer of uncertainty.
What’s at Stake?
In 2025, the U.S. could add 7.7 gigawatts (GW) of wind power, per the IEA data. Nearly half of the new wind capacity would come from Texas, Wyoming, and Massachusetts.
If political actions continue to halt or delay offshore wind projects, the impact could be huge. Experts say that over 90% of the more than 60 GW of planned U.S. offshore wind capacity could be at risk. This includes dozens of projects across the East Coast and new efforts along the Pacific Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico.
Offshore wind is also key to meeting climate goals. It produces large amounts of clean electricity without greenhouse gas emissions. It helps replace fossil fuel power plants and supports growing energy demand from electric vehicles, data centers, and manufacturing.
The group E2, which tracks clean energy investments, said that in just the first three months of 2025, at least 16 clean energy projects worth a total of $8 billion were canceled. That number could grow if uncertainty continues.
Can the Grid Handle a Clean Energy Shift?
Some federal officials argue that slowing down offshore wind development is necessary to protect the reliability of the electric grid. With the U.S. adding more renewable energy and retiring coal and gas plants, there are concerns about whether the grid can handle the change.
But energy experts say that offshore wind and other renewables can support grid reliability if managed properly. Batteries and other energy storage solutions can store extra power for use when wind or solar is not available. Strong planning and smart grid technologies can also help.
A Turning Point for U.S. Offshore Wind: What’s Next?
Equinor is still in talks with the government and may try to restart the project. But for now, Empire Wind is paused. Other developers are watching closely. If the pause turns into a cancellation, it could discourage future investments in clean energy.
Meanwhile, there is strong public support for clean energy. Polls show that most Americans want more wind and solar power. Many states, like New York and California, have set ambitious climate goals. They plan to keep moving forward even if the federal government pulls back.
The Empire Wind pause is a key moment for U.S. offshore wind. It shows how political changes can affect long-term energy planning. It also highlights the risks companies take when investing in large infrastructure projects.
Whether this is a short pause or the start of a longer rollback will depend on what happens next. For now, the U.S. offshore wind industry faces a period of uncertainty—and the decisions made in the coming months could shape the future of clean energy in the country.
