On Wednesday night, Eastern Time, the Trump administration suddenly ordered a decision to halt the construction of the Empire Wind 1 wind power project off the coast of New York—even though the project had previously received full government permission.This arbitrary directive not only brought an impact to the offshore wind power industry, but also once again reflected the U.S. government’s frequent changes in orders, raising questions about the safety of investment in the United States.
Offshore wind power project construction suddenly stopped?
U.S. President Trump has long been a fan of traditional energy and has dismissed clean energy. During his campaign, he repeatedly promised to end the offshore wind industry, which he said was costly and harmed whales and birds.
So on his first day in office, he issued an executive order suspending new lease auctions for offshore wind projects in federal waters.
This executive order was originally expected by industry insiders. But unexpectedly, on Wednesday, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum suddenly ordered a halt to the Equinor project that was already under construction—a move that went far beyond suspending new lease auctions or delaying new permit applications.
Statoil, which is leading the project, said it had halted construction as required and would engage with the Trump administration to better understand its concerns about permitting the project.
'All industries will feel the chill'
Liz Burdock, CEO of US industry group Oceantic Network, said in Burgum:
"The federal government has fully approved work on the Empire Wind 1 offshore project, but now the government has suddenly stopped it. This should send a chill to all industries that have investments and contracts with the U.S. government."
“Preventing a licensed and funded energy project from moving forward sends a loud and clear message to all companies — not just the offshore wind industry — that their investments in the United States are not safe.”
The League of Conservation Voters, an environmental group, said the Trump administration's withdrawal of Equinor's construction permit would increase uncertainty in the wider business world and undermine the confidence needed for new investment.
David Shadburn, the organization's legislative director, said:
“If the government fails to keep its word after a thorough environmental review, it will have a chilling effect not just on clean energy, but on the entire business sector...The last thing this country needs is a ban on affordable, clean energy.”
inconsistent with Trump’s original intentions
The Oceantic Network organization stated that the supply chain of the Empire Wind wind power project has attracted US$1.6 billion in investment and provided more than 3,500 jobs.
A report released last year by the American Clean Energy Association showed that the entire offshore wind industry is expected to invest $65 billion in projects by 2030.
Other industry representatives said the move was inconsistent with the Trump administration's broader plans to expand domestic energy production.
“The widening gap between growing electricity demand and available energy supply poses a serious threat to economic growth,” said Hillary Bright, executive director of offshore wind industry group Turn Forward. “It is clearly in our national interest to promote the use of valuable energy sources such as offshore wind.”