US judge to rule swiftly on Equinor challenge to windfarm halt

Five offshore wind leases paused

Equinor's request for an injunction, which would allow work to continue while the lawsuit proceeds, is the latest in a string of legal challenges to US President Donald Trump's opposition to the offshore wind sector.

Trump's Interior Department last month paused activity on five offshore wind leases, citing new classified information on risks to national security from radar interference.

During the hour-long hearing, Empire Wind attorney Ann Navaro said the pause created an "existential risk" for the company. She added that it could lose access to construction vessels it needs to complete the $5.5 billion project.

US Department of Justice attorney Stanley Woodward, arguing for the administration, said national security concerns justified the halt. He argued the "parade of horribles" Empire Wind said would result from the pause was "speculative."

Nichols questioned whether the government's national security concerns would apply during construction of the project as opposed to during operations. Empire Wind said the project is not slated to start operations until October.