Trump Administration Halts Controversial Empire Wind Project off Jersey Shore: Offshore Wind Development on Hold

What Happened?

Approved last year under the Biden administration, the Empire Wind project—developed by Equinor, a Norwegian oil and gas company—began construction earlier this month. However, as of Wednesday, the Department of the Interior (DOI) has ordered a full pause on the project.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) confirmed receiving the directive to halt activity pending a full review, citing “serious deficiencies” in the permitting process.

Trump’s Executive Order & Policy Shift

The pause comes shortly after a January 20 executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which:

• Temporarily withdraws all areas of the Outer Continental Shelf from offshore wind leasing

• Orders a federal review of permitting and leasing practices for offshore wind projects

This marks a stark departure from the Biden administration’s pro-renewable energy agenda, which prioritized large-scale offshore wind development to combat climate change and promote energy independence.

🗨️ Equinor Responds

In response to the sudden halt, an Equinor spokesperson stated:

“We will engage directly with BOEM and the Department of the Interior to understand the questions raised about the permits we have received from authorities.”

Despite the setback, Equinor remains hopeful that ongoing discussions with federal officials will allow for continued development in the future.

Interior Secretary Raises Concerns

According to a letter sent by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, the project was allegedly “rushed through” during the previous administration, without adequate environmental analysis or public consultation.

This echoes broader concerns from local stakeholders and critics of offshore wind, who argue that projects of this scale must undergo rigorous scrutiny to assess their environmental, economic, and community impacts.

What’s at Stake?

If completed, Empire Wind 1 and 2 would bring more than 2 gigawatts of renewable energy to the East Coast grid—enough to power over 1 million homes.

Supporters argue the project could create thousands of jobs and establish New Jersey as a leader in offshore wind energy. But for now, all progress has been paused indefinitely as the federal review unfolds.

What’s Next?

The future of the Empire Wind project—and potentially others along the Eastern Seaboard—hangs in the balance as the federal government re-evaluates its offshore wind energy strategy. Industry insiders are watching closely to see whether other projects face similar delays or cancellations under the Trump administration’s evolving energy policy.