New York's Offshore Wind Initiative Gets a Boost from Trump-Hochul Collaboration, Opening Doors for Pipeline Discussions

By Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Laura Nahmias, and Josh Saul (Bloomberg) — The Trump governance has greenlit the continuation of a $5 billion wind farm project off Long Island after striking a deal with New York Governor Kathy Hochul.This agreement may pave the way for new natural gas pipelines in the state.

After weeks of negotiations, including multiple discussions between Hochul and President Trump over the weekend, officials have decided to lift a stop-work order on Equinor ASA’s empire Wind 1 initiative. in exchange for this decision, Hochul indicated that New York would not obstruct future energy projects—possibly opening doors for more pipelines to transport gas from Pennsylvania’s Marcellus shale formation. Historically, such initiatives faced important pushback from Northeast states concerned about their environmental impact and contribution to climate change, which has limited gas availability in the region and increased energy costs.

Notable projects like Williams Cos.’ Constitution Pipeline were abandoned in 2020 due to these challenges. The recent agreement between Trump and Hochul is a surprising turnaround for Equinor’s ambitious wind farm project that seemed doomed after construction was halted last month by the U.S. interior Department.Hochul expressed her support for this collaboration in a statement on Monday, emphasizing that New York is committed to working alongside federal authorities and private companies on energy initiatives that comply with state laws. She framed this support as essential for ensuring reliable and affordable energy options for consumers.

While optimism surrounds this particular wind farm located about 20 miles southeast of NYC, concerns linger over the broader offshore wind sector’s stability amid inflationary pressures and supply chain issues exacerbated by heightened scrutiny from federal regulators on previously approved projects.

Experts warn against viewing this development as an overarching policy shift; they suggest that projects closer to breaking ground will likely face fewer hurdles than those still under review. This situation could lead to more negotiations between project supporters—including governors—and federal officials regarding future developments.

new York leaders have long championed offshore wind farms as vital sources of clean electricity. Equinor had received final approvals during President Biden’s term but saw work halted when Interior Secretary Doug Burgum cited insufficient impact studies earlier this year.

With Empire Wind teetering on uncertainty last week, job creation became pivotal in reviving it; hochul highlighted around 1,500 union jobs at stake while labor advocates pushed hard for intervention from Washington.

In her social media update celebrating progress with Trump’s administration regarding job preservation through renewable energy initiatives like Empire Wind 1—expected to power half a million homes—Hochul noted her gratitude towards Trump’s partnership: “Grateful for his partnership on projects that create jobs here in new York.”

The groundwork for their agreement began back in march when Hochul met with Trump concerning pipeline issues among other topics. Trump’s commitment to advancing gas infrastructure has been clear; he views these developments as crucial steps toward reducing electricity costs amid regional supply struggles.

Williams Cos., which had previously shown interest in reviving pipeline plans contingent upon regional leadership support—including from Hochul—did not respond promptly when contacted Tuesday regarding current developments.

Trump’s longstanding opposition towards wind farms—a sentiment rooted since he opposed one near his golf course in Scotland—coupled with his advocacy for oil and natural gas expansion set up an environment ripe for negotiation between him and state leaders like Hochul who are balancing local needs against broader environmental goals.

Northeast states have historically utilized their water-quality certification authority under federal law effectively blocking proposed gas ventures while simultaneously looking toward offshore wind solutions along their coastlines as means of meeting rising demand without increasing emissions.

The Constitution Pipeline was initially designed as a joint effort involving several major players including Williams Cos., Cabot Oil & Gas Corp., Duke Energy Corp.,and AltaGas Ltd., aiming to transport natural gas across its planned 124-mile route since receiving federal approval back in 2014.

Recently visiting Washington D.C., Equinor CEO Anders Opedal advocated strongly before government officials about resuming work on Empire Wind following delays caused by regulatory pauses at critical moments when resources were already mobilized at sea.As Opedal remarked post-agreement: “The timing couldn’t be worse given we had ships ready out there.”

© 2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Subscribe now! Stay updated daily with our insights tailored just right!