AG James today filed two lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to halt construction on a pair of major offshore wind projects that are expected to power more than one million New York homes. Late last month, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) abruptly issued stop-work orders to the New York-based Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind projects, directing them to immediately suspend all construction due to undisclosed “national security” concerns. Attorney General James argues that these orders are arbitrary and unwarranted, as both projects underwent years of extensive national security and safety reviews, and pausing these projects could threaten New York’s economy and energy grid. She is asking the court to intervene in blocking the administration’s stop-work orders. 

“New Yorkers deserve clean, reliable 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. This reckless decision puts workers, families, and our climate goals at risk, and my office is taking action to stop it.” – AG James