The Trump administration has lifted an April 16 stop-work order for ongoing construction of the estimated $5-billion Empire Wind offshore wind project off New York, according to a May 20 announcement by its Norwegian developer, Equinor ASA. 

“Construction can now resume …which underscores our commitment to deliver energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs,” firm CEO Anders Opedal said. He had previously described the shutdown—claimed to be because of rushed environmental review—as “unlawful” and had weighed legal action against the administration. 

The U.S. Interior Dept. did not post details of the reversal on its website, but Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said on social media it is linked to an agreement with New York. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) that could result in work resuming on one regional gas pipeline she halted in 2020, with other projects eyed  

Skanska is lead contractor for the 810-MW wind project’s Brooklyn, N.Y., onshore staging site, with offshore work to install foundations for 54 turbines set to begin this summer. 

Equinor, which said it has spent about $2.5 billion on the project so far, will offer an update on the financial impacts of the shutdown in its second-quarter results July 23. 

An Equinor spokesman said the shutdown was costing the developer about $50 million per week.