Kevin Vesey

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Dec 22, 2025, 6:03 PM

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Updated

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Work on five offshore wind projects — including two located off the coast of Long Island — has been paused following an order from the Trump administration citing national security concerns.

Among the affected projects are the Empire Wind project near Jones Beach, located about 13 miles off Long Island’s South Shore, and the Sunrise Wind project far off the coast of Montauk. Together, the two projects were expected to generate enough electricity to power more than one million homes and were scheduled to begin operations around 2027.

The pause, which took effect immediately, was ordered after the Pentagon identified what the administration described as national security risks associated with the projects. However, officials have not disclosed the specific nature of those risks.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions across Long Island.

Supporters of offshore wind expressed frustration and concern, arguing that the projects are critical to meeting future energy demands and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

“This is a reckless and dangerous decision by the president,” said Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “We know offshore wind farms work. We know they stabilize energy costs, and we know we need additional electricity.”

Others welcomed the pause, saying it allows time to address potential safety and security issues.

“We need renewable energy. We need national security. We need both things,” said Kelly Martinsen of Protect Our Coast Long Island. “And we are going to pause and figure out how to get both safely.”

The companies behind the paused wind farms said they are evaluating their options and seeking more information from the Trump administration.

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