NUCA Statement On Offshore Wind Projects & Nation’s Energy Demands
The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) issued the following statement by NUCA Vice President of Government Affairs Zack Perconti on suspension of the Empire Wind offshore wind project construction by the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management:
“NUCA is deeply concerned by the Department of the Interior’s decision to issue a stop-work order on the Empire Wind project. The suspension of the Empire Wind project does not help the nation’s endless quest for energy resources and is directly counter to the President’s goal of lowering energy prices. This has not been a rushed process – federal reviews of the area’s suitability for offshore wind began in 2011. Empire Wind project received its lease for the location in March 2017 during President Trump’s first term, received approval in 2023, and began construction last year. Exhaustive environmental analyses have been completed and with the project already well underway, the Administration’s declaration that this project has not received enough environmental analysis does not stand up to scrutiny.
“The Administration’s actions demonstrate another real-world example of the need for meaningful permitting reform. Our nation’s increasing energy demands and higher energy prices emphasizes the need for streamlined permitting for all domestic energy resources, as President Trump himself demanded in his January executive orders to increase energy production.
“NUCA supports the development of all U.S. energy sources and an ‘All-of-the-Above’ energy policy, including offshore wind. This sector is projected to receive $65 billion in investment by 2030, creating over 50,000 U.S. jobs. Empire Wind was scheduled to become operational in 2027, delivering 1,700 megawatts and powering the growing energy demands of 500,000 homes. Because of these unnecessary delays, our nation risks squandering another national energy resource that could strengthen our economy and help keep the lights on. The issuance of a stop-work order unfairly penalizes contractors and puts jobs at risk. We urge the Administration to allow the project to move forward.”
