A nominee for a top energy position in a potential future Trump administration said the U.S. government’s recent decision to halt work on Equinor’s Empire Wind offshore project sends a troubling signal to developers, echoing bipartisan concerns raised during a Senate confirmation hearing.
Leslie Beyer, nominated as Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management at the U.S. Department of the Interior, agreed with Independent Senator Angus King that the stop-work order issued for Equinor’s 810-megawatt Empire Wind project off New York risks undermining investor confidence across the energy sector.
“This is an extraordinary action,” King said during the hearing, adding that the decision could have a “chilling effect” on energy infrastructure development. He asked Beyer whether she believed the order sends a “dangerous message” about the predictability of the permitting process.
“I do agree,” Beyer responded. “Companies need certainty in the permitting system so they can make financial investment decisions.”
The U.S. Interior Department issued the stop order despite the project having previously secured all necessary federal approvals, prompting concern from Equinor executives and stakeholders. In remarks tied to the company’s first-quarter earnings released this week, Equinor CEO Anders Opedal criticized the decision as legally unfounded.
“We have invested in Empire Wind after obtaining all necessary approvals, and the order to halt work now is unprecedented and in our view unlawful,” Opedal said. “This is a question of the rights and obligations granted under legally issued permits, and security of investments based on valid approvals.”
He added that the company is seeking clarification directly from the U.S. administration and is reviewing its legal options in response.
The Biden administration has sought to accelerate offshore wind development as part of its broader clean energy agenda, but the abrupt halt of a high-profile project like Empire Wind has raised questions about regulatory stability.
Opedal emphasized the potential broader implications for international investment: “We seek to engage directly with the U.S. Administration to clarify the matter and are considering our legal options.”
Beyer’s remarks suggest that if confirmed, a future Trump administration could prioritize restoring investor confidence by reinforcing permitting certainty. Her confirmation remains subject to Senate approval.
