Stop Work Order Lifted on Empire Wind Project, Clean Energy and Jobs to Move Forward

EDF Statement from Ted Kelly, Director and Lead Counsel, U.S. Clean Energy

(WASHINGTON – May 19, 2025) The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management lifted the stop work order on the Empire Wind Project, located off the coast of New York. The project is expected to supply electric power to 500,000 homes in New York and create more than 1,000 union jobs. The stop work order was originally issued by the Trump administration on April 16.

“This is welcome news for New Yorkers who are counting on affordable, clean electricity and good-paying union jobs from this huge project.

“For Northeastern states especially, offshore wind provides a local, low-cost energy source that reduces reliance on oil and gas, which pollutes our air and causes unpredictable price spikes for households. Unfortunately, many other offshore and onshore wind projects remain stalled as a result of the Trump administration's unlawful refusal to grant permits and approvals for wind energy. The Trump administration should end its ban on wind energy projects and keep this affordable, abundant and clean energy option on the table for everyone.”

  • Ted Kelly, Director and Lead Counsel for U.S. Clean Energy, Environmental Defense Fund

With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org

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Ted Kelly

Ted Kelly

Director and Lead Counsel, U.S. Clean Energy