New York State has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to halt construction on two offshore wind projects off the coast of Long Island. The state's Attorney General, Letitia James, claims that the federal government's stop work order is "arbitrary and capricious" and violates the Administrative Procedure Act.
The two projects, Sunrise and Empire, were approved by the US Department of Defense and underwent extensive national security and safety reviews before being given the green light. However, just before the holidays, the Trump administration suspended the projects citing national security concerns that it did not feel like it could disclose.
In her statement, James emphasized that New York needs clean energy, good-paying jobs, and a government that follows the law. "These projects were carefully reviewed and already under construction when the federal government pulled the plug without explanation," she said.
The lawsuit argues that the national security basis for the halt is vague and could lead to indefinite extensions. The state's office expressed "serious concern" that the administration is trying to revive an unlawful policy through new means.
The White House has defended its decision, with a spokesperson saying that wind energy is "the scam of the century." However, Governor Kathy Hochul, who has faced criticism over her own energy policies, commended James' office for fighting the federal directive.
The two projects, Sunrise and Empire, were approved by the US Department of Defense and underwent extensive national security and safety reviews before being given the green light. However, just before the holidays, the Trump administration suspended the projects citing national security concerns that it did not feel like it could disclose.
In her statement, James emphasized that New York needs clean energy, good-paying jobs, and a government that follows the law. "These projects were carefully reviewed and already under construction when the federal government pulled the plug without explanation," she said.
The lawsuit argues that the national security basis for the halt is vague and could lead to indefinite extensions. The state's office expressed "serious concern" that the administration is trying to revive an unlawful policy through new means.
The White House has defended its decision, with a spokesperson saying that wind energy is "the scam of the century." However, Governor Kathy Hochul, who has faced criticism over her own energy policies, commended James' office for fighting the federal directive.