Assemblyman Ari Brown (R–Cedarhurst) Proclaims a Resounding Victory with Halt of Empire Wind Project
Long Island Leaders Deliver Decisive Blow to Offshore Wind Industrialization
CEDARHURST, NY — Assemblyman Ari Brown (R–Cedarhurst) proclaims a resounding victory for Long Island residents following the Trump administration’s decision to halt construction on the controversial Empire Wind offshore wind project off New York’s coast.
This decisive action, directed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, comes after months of intense advocacy led by local leaders including Assemblyman Brown, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Through a series of rallies, press conferences, and robust debates on the floors of the New York State Assembly and Senate, the coalition has consistently warned that the project—backed by the Democrat-controlled state legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul—poses serious threats to marine life, national security, and Long Island’s essential fishing and tourism industries.
“This marks a clear rebuke of the NYC-centric, radical agenda imposed on Long Island,” said Assemblyman Brown. “We have taken this battle to Albany and the streets of our communities, forcing our adversaries into submission. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, this dangerous project has been stopped in its tracks.”
Secretary Burgum’s memorandum directs energy developer Equinor to suspend all construction activities and launches a comprehensive review of federal offshore wind permitting practices. This represents the first significant federal intervention under President Trump’s directive to pause additional offshore wind projects until a thorough analysis is completed.
Assemblyman Brown and his colleagues remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding Long Island’s environment, economy, and quality of life from what they describe as the “industrialization of our ocean.”
