Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is condemning President Donald Trump for halting construction on a $7 billion offshore wind project off Long Island. He called the decision a “malicious and intentional sabotage” of New York jobs and clean energy progress.
The Empire Wind project, led by Equinor, had reached the construction phase and was already supplying equipment and jobs. However, the Trump administration suddenly ordered a full stop, offering no public explanation.
Schumer demands transparency and defends clean energy investment
“This is not how you treat major infrastructure projects,” Schumer said Tuesday on the Senate floor. “Equinor invested billions with the full support of regulators. Now, the Trump administration is pulling the rug out from under them.”
Instead of offering clear reasoning, the administration pointed vaguely to a report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Yet, they have refused to share that report, according to Schumer. He urged Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to release it immediately.
Schumer believes the order stems from Trump’s long-standing opposition to wind energy. Trump has repeatedly criticized wind turbines, especially after losing a legal battle over a wind farm built near his golf course in Scotland.
Empire Wind delay threatens jobs and sends chilling message to investors
By the time of the halt, the project was nearly one-third complete. Around 50 vessels had already mobilized offshore. Thousands of workers faced layoffs, and Equinor stood to lose $50 million each week the project remained idle.
“This isn’t just about New York,” Schumer warned. “This signals to every investor that U.S. clean energy projects can be derailed without warning.”
Offshore wind remains central to New York’s clean energy future
The Empire Wind project forms a critical part of New York’s climate and energy plan. It is designed to power hundreds of thousands of homes with clean, affordable electricity.
Schumer emphasized that delaying the project undermines both economic development and environmental goals. “We can’t meet our future energy needs if we sabotage the very tools designed to help us get there,” he said.
He called on the Trump administration to provide answers, allow the project to continue, and restore investor confidence. “This reckless interference must stop before it damages more than just one project,” Schumer concluded.
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