On Monday, the company announced the lifting of the construction hold on the Empire Wind project, signaling a resumption of activities. However, the reasons behind the end of the construction halt remain unclear. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management updated its project page on Tuesday, providing a new letter indicating that while a review of its approval is ongoing, construction can proceed during this review period.
The Department of the Interior has not commented on this development and has not responded to inquiries seeking clarification. A social media post from Interior Secretary Burgum does not specifically reference Empire Wind but suggests a positive outlook regarding pipeline approvals from New York’s governor. He stated, “I am encouraged by Governor Hochul’s comments about her willingness to move forward on critical pipeline capacity.”
This hints at a possible agreement that could have enabled the Empire Wind project to move ahead in exchange for the development of a fossil fuel pipeline. The New York Times speculated this may refer to the Constitution Pipeline, which was intended to transport natural gas from Pennsylvania to eastern New York but was canceled in 2020 due to opposition from the state.
However, Governor Kathy Hochul has not issued any definitive statements regarding her commitment to advancing any pipeline projects. Her official response concerning the Empire Wind project was notably vague, asserting that New York would collaborate with the Administration and private entities on energy initiatives that comply with state legal standards.
While the resumption of construction on Empire Wind is welcomed news, the process surrounding it has faced numerous challenges, characterized by what appear to be arbitrary governmental decisions lacking clear justification.
