Overview
- U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols granted Equinor a preliminary injunction to resume Empire Wind construction while litigation continues.
- He found the project faced irreparable harm, noted the government failed to address key arguments, and set an expedited briefing schedule targeting Jan. 20.
- Empire Wind is about 60% complete with roughly $4 billion already spent, and Equinor warned delays jeopardize scarce installation vessels and could force termination.
- The ruling follows an earlier order allowing Ørsted’s Revolution Wind to restart, while Sunrise Wind, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, and Vineyard Wind remain paused or are seeking court relief.
- The administration cites classified national security concerns tied to radar interference, with DOJ submitting sealed materials as New York senators press for access to the underlying reports.