Latest news with #EmpireWind

Epoch Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Groups Sue Federal Government in Bid to Block New York Wind Project
Environmental organizations on June 3 sued the U.S. government, alleging that its reversal of a stop-work order on a $5 billion wind farm project off the coast of New York City violates federal law. The May 19 update from the Department of Interior, which permitted work to resume on Empire Wind, violates the Administrative Procedure Act because it does not offer facts supporting the reversal, the lawsuit
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wind opponents sue Trump administration to block New York wind project
By Nate Raymond (Reuters) -Fishing companies and offshore wind opponents filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging the Trump administration's decision to reverse course and allow construction to resume on Empire Wind, a $5 billion wind farm project off New York's coast. Protect Our Coast New Jersey, Clean Ocean Action, ACK for Whales and 12 fishing industry participants in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Trenton, New Jersey, sought to reinstate a stop work order Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued in April halting construction of Equinor's wind project. Burgum issued that order after Republican President Donald Trump on his first day back in office on January 20 directed his administration to halt offshore wind lease sales and stop the issuance of permits, leases and loans for both onshore and offshore wind projects. He did so while also moving to ramp up the federal government's support for the fossil fuel industry and maximize output in the United States. Trump as a candidate last year promised to end the offshore wind industry. But weeks after Burgum signed the stop-work order, the administration in a turnabout on May 19 allowed work to resume on Empire Wind, which is being developed by Norway's Equinor and is expected to provide power for half a million homes from 2027 onward. The administration did so in a compromise with New York that could also see canceled plans for a gas pipeline revived. Burgum said he was encouraged that New York Governor Kathy Hochul will now allow new gas pipeline capacity to move forward. Tuesday's lawsuit argued that the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management did not adhere to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to provide a basis for restoring the work permits. Bruce Afran, the plaintiffs' lawyer, said the administration had properly recognized the lack of investigation about serious environmental harm from Equinor's project. "The administration correctly pulled the Empire Wind work permit because of these concerns and had no basis to reinstate the work orders a month later," he said in a statement. "This lawsuit seeks to restore the stop work order." Equinor declined to comment on the lawsuit itself but in a statement said the project "has undergone years of rigorous permitting and studies, and secured all necessary federal, state and local approvals to begin construction in 2024." The agency did not respond to a request for comment.


Reuters
03-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Wind opponents sue Trump administration to block New York wind project
June 3 (Reuters) - Fishing companies and offshore wind opponents filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging the Trump administration's decision to reverse course and allow construction to resume on Empire Wind, a $5 billion wind farm project off New York's coast. Protect Our Coast New Jersey, Clean Ocean Action, ACK for Whales and 12 fishing industry participants in a lawsuit, opens new tab filed in federal court in Trenton, New Jersey, sought to reinstate a stop work order Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued in April halting construction of Equinor's ( opens new tab wind project. Burgum issued that order after Republican President Donald Trump on his first day back in office on January 20 directed his administration to halt offshore wind lease sales and stop the issuance of permits, leases and loans for both onshore and offshore wind projects. He did so while also moving to ramp up the federal government's support for the fossil fuel industry and maximize output in the United States. Trump as a candidate last year promised to end the offshore wind industry. But weeks after Burgum signed the stop-work order, the administration in a turnabout on May 19 allowed work to resume on Empire Wind, which is being developed by Norway's Equinor and is expected to provide power for half a million homes from 2027 onward. The administration did so in a compromise with New York that could also see canceled plans for a gas pipeline revived. Burgum said he was encouraged that New York Governor Kathy Hochul will now allow new gas pipeline capacity to move forward. Tuesday's lawsuit argued that the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management did not adhere to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to provide a basis for restoring the work permits. Bruce Afran, the plaintiffs' lawyer, said the administration had properly recognized the lack of investigation about serious environmental harm from Equinor's project. "The administration correctly pulled the Empire Wind work permit because of these concerns and had no basis to reinstate the work orders a month later," he said in a statement. "This lawsuit seeks to restore the stop work order." Equinor declined to comment on the lawsuit itself but in a statement said the project "has undergone years of rigorous permitting and studies, and secured all necessary federal, state and local approvals to begin construction in 2024." The agency did not respond to a request for comment.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wind opponents sue Trump administration to block New York wind project
By Nate Raymond (Reuters) -Fishing companies and offshore wind opponents filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging the Trump administration's decision to reverse course and allow construction to resume on Empire Wind, a $5 billion wind farm project off New York's coast. Protect Our Coast New Jersey, Clean Ocean Action, ACK for Whales and 12 fishing industry participants in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Trenton, New Jersey, sought to reinstate a stop work order Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued in April halting construction of Equinor's wind project. Burgum issued that order after Republican President Donald Trump on his first day back in office on January 20 directed his administration to halt offshore wind lease sales and stop the issuance of permits, leases and loans for both onshore and offshore wind projects. He did so while also moving to ramp up the federal government's support for the fossil fuel industry and maximize output in the United States. Trump as a candidate last year promised to end the offshore wind industry. But weeks after Burgum signed the stop-work order, the administration in a turnabout on May 19 allowed work to resume on Empire Wind, which is being developed by Norway's Equinor and is expected to provide power for half a million homes from 2027 onward. The administration did so in a compromise with New York that could also see canceled plans for a gas pipeline revived. Burgum said he was encouraged that New York Governor Kathy Hochul will now allow new gas pipeline capacity to move forward. Tuesday's lawsuit argued that the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management did not adhere to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to provide a basis for restoring the work permits. Bruce Afran, the plaintiffs' lawyer, said the administration had properly recognized the lack of investigation about serious environmental harm from Equinor's project. "The administration correctly pulled the Empire Wind work permit because of these concerns and had no basis to reinstate the work orders a month later," he said in a statement. "This lawsuit seeks to restore the stop work order." Equinor declined to comment on the lawsuit itself but in a statement said the project "has undergone years of rigorous permitting and studies, and secured all necessary federal, state and local approvals to begin construction in 2024." The agency did not respond to a request for comment. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US officials reverse decision to shut down massive $5 billion wind farm project off New York coast — here's why
Reuters reported that the Trump administration lifted a ban last week on a $5 billion wind energy project off the coast of New York that could bring power to half a million homes as soon as 2027. Empire Wind, a wind farm project from Norwegian company Equinor, is slated to have over 130 wind turbines and provide renewable power to New York. In Spring 2024, construction began in the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. As the fourth largest source of electricity generation in the United States, wind is an important element to our energy systems. Projects like this only help to grow clean energy, as coastal wind farms blend marine engineering with renewable energy technology to power thousands of homes. Offshore wind is a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Some opponents to offshore wind farms say that they disrupt the environment. However, according to Environment America, no whales have been harmed by offshore wind and the main issue is the noise during the construction process, which is also an issue with offshore drilling, in addition to the massive additional environmental problems that come with harvesting fossil fuels from the earth — especially the risk for accidental spills or explosions. The project is also stimulating the economy, as it is anticipated that the wind farm will bring more than 1,000 jobs to the area. However, alongside this win for wind energy is the potential revival of a natural gas pipeline that had previously been stopped. According to Reuters, the Constitution pipeline would bring gas from Pennsylvania into New York, though it is unclear if the company involved, Williams, will absolutely pursue it. Clean Technica reported on May 24 that the agreement should clear a hurdle for the pipeline, but it's not a certainty that it will proceed. In order to mitigate the worst effects of human-caused climate change, the world needs to move away from dirty energy sources like gas and embrace cleaner, renewable energy like wind and solar. These processes take advantage of natural energy and do not require constant drilling or mining for new materials to burn into the air. One of the best ways for individuals to take advantage of clean energy innovations is to install solar panels. Solar panels, especially when coupled with energy storage technology, can significantly reduce your energy bills and make your home more energy resilient. If you want to take the next step to install solar energy at your own home, EnergySage provides a free platform to compare quotes from vetted local installers and can help to save around $10,000 on installations. According to Equinor, the Empire Wind project is currently over 30% complete, bringing the farm closer to providing power to many in New York. "This project delivers on the energy ambitions shared by the United States and New York by providing a vital new source of power to the region," Molly Morris, President of Equinor Wind US, said in a press release. Should the government be able to control how we heat our homes? Definitely Only if it saves money I'm not sure No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.