New York Sues Trump Administration Over Stopped Wind Projects Amid National Security Claims.
In a move to reverse the latest halt on two offshore wind projects off Long Island, New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over what she calls an "arbitrary and capricious" national security decision. The U.S. Department of Interior had previously suspended work at the Sunrise and Empire wind projects for the second time, citing undisclosed concerns that allegedly jeopardized national security.
The state's top law enforcement officer claims that these national security worries are vague and unexplained, potentially paving the way for indefinite extensions to halt the projects. According to James, the two wind turbines had already undergone extensive reviews, public comments, and environmental impact assessments, with the U.S. Department of Defense having given them a green light.
"This move is part of an ongoing pattern by President Trump's administration of attempting to revive failed energy policies," said Sophie Hamlin from James' office. "Delaying or derailing these clean energy projects would prolong New York City and Long Island's reliance on the region's fossil-fuel plants, resulting in higher energy costs for consumers and more pollution."
The stop-work orders have sparked fears about thousands of jobs being put at risk and billions of dollars already invested in the wind projects. The Empire 1 wind project was scheduled to provide power next year with 54 turbines, while the Sunrise wind project is nearly complete with a similar number.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed her support for James' actions against what she describes as an "incomprehensible obsession" by the Trump administration. "These unlawful actions cannot stand," she said in a prepared statement.
The Trump administration maintains that their priority is national security and has already expressed disapproval of the wind industry, labeling it "the scam of the century." However, critics argue that this decision is not only counterproductive but also undermines New York's efforts to meet its clean energy targets.
In a move to reverse the latest halt on two offshore wind projects off Long Island, New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over what she calls an "arbitrary and capricious" national security decision. The U.S. Department of Interior had previously suspended work at the Sunrise and Empire wind projects for the second time, citing undisclosed concerns that allegedly jeopardized national security.
The state's top law enforcement officer claims that these national security worries are vague and unexplained, potentially paving the way for indefinite extensions to halt the projects. According to James, the two wind turbines had already undergone extensive reviews, public comments, and environmental impact assessments, with the U.S. Department of Defense having given them a green light.
"This move is part of an ongoing pattern by President Trump's administration of attempting to revive failed energy policies," said Sophie Hamlin from James' office. "Delaying or derailing these clean energy projects would prolong New York City and Long Island's reliance on the region's fossil-fuel plants, resulting in higher energy costs for consumers and more pollution."
The stop-work orders have sparked fears about thousands of jobs being put at risk and billions of dollars already invested in the wind projects. The Empire 1 wind project was scheduled to provide power next year with 54 turbines, while the Sunrise wind project is nearly complete with a similar number.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed her support for James' actions against what she describes as an "incomprehensible obsession" by the Trump administration. "These unlawful actions cannot stand," she said in a prepared statement.
The Trump administration maintains that their priority is national security and has already expressed disapproval of the wind industry, labeling it "the scam of the century." However, critics argue that this decision is not only counterproductive but also undermines New York's efforts to meet its clean energy targets.