Empire Wind Fights Lease Suspension: Seeks Injunction | Mariner News

Empire Offshore Wind LLC has initiated legal action, filing a civil suit today, January 2, 2026, in response to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s order suspending the critical Empire Wind project. This vital offshore wind farm aims to significantly boost New York’s renewable energy capacity. As part of this challenge, Empire plans to seek a preliminary injunction, crucial for allowing construction to continue while the legal proceedings unfold.

Why Empire Wind is Challenging the Suspension

The order to suspend the Empire Wind project is deemed unlawful by Equinor, threatening the progress of ongoing work and introducing significant commercial and financing risks. Empire is working closely with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and other authorities for a swift resolution. However, the preliminary injunction filing is necessary to keep the project on track during this critical execution phase, mitigating potential financial impacts and delays.

Ensuring National Security and Compliance

Since securing its lease in 2017, Empire Wind has maintained close coordination with numerous federal officials on national security reviews, including the Department of War, and has fully complied with all relevant security requirements. Regular meetings with oversight officials, including weekly engagements with the U.S. Coast Guard and other marine first responders, underscore their commitment to security.

Powering New York’s Green Energy Future

Developed under contract with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Empire Wind is designed to deliver a much-needed, near-term source of clean electricity. This project will bolster grid reliability at a time of rapidly growing demand, ultimately powering approximately 500,000 New York homes. Its continued development is paramount for the state’s sustainable energy goals.