The Trump administration is set to allow significant offshore wind initiatives to help provide power for New York, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.) on Monday.
Recently, Interior Secretary Doug Burgham paused the project, stating that the Biden administration hadn’t given it a thorough review.
However, Hochul mentioned in a post on X that she was able to “preserve” the project through collaboration with the current administration.
“1,500 union jobs. 500,000 homes powered by wind. That’s what Empire Wind 1 brings,” Hochul stated.
“I’ve been working with President Trump to save this project. Today, I learned that our efforts have been fruitful. I’m thankful for his partnership on this job-creating initiative in New York,” she added.
The Trump administration has typically been resistant to climate initiatives and has especially targeted wind energy. On his first day in office, Trump prohibited the government from selling offshore wind energy leases and stalled new wind rights on public lands.
Issuing a work halt, however, was viewed as a significant escalation, effectively stopping the project that was already underway.
Trump often criticizes offshore wind power, expressing concerns over its effects on birds and landscapes, sometimes making unfounded claims linking wind noise to health issues like cancer. Yet, he also announced a national energy emergency, asserting that the nation needs to boost power generation.
Empire Wind 1 is anticipated to provide 810 megawatts of electricity to Brooklyn.
