Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick Applauds Suspension of Empire Wind 1 Offshore Wind Project

(LONG BEACH, NY) – Yesterday, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Assemblyman Ari Brown, former Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, along with local Nassau County officials, joined together to vehemently oppose the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project and proposed lithium-ion battery storage facilities to be placed in residential communities.

“This isn’t just about a wind farm or a storage site—it’s about who gets to decide what happens in our communities,” said Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. “From day one, we’ve been united in standing with our residents to stop dangerous policies coming out of Albany, like the RAPID Act, which strips away local control and gives the state unchecked power to place unwanted projects in our local communities. Equinor has shown time and again that they’re not a partner worth trusting. They’ve failed to engage in good faith and dismissed our public concerns. The President’s announcement is a step in the right direction, but make no mistake—we will keep fighting for our residents and environmental safety.”

Yesterday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum directed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to halt construction on Empire Wind. His letter indicated that the Bureau will need to further review Empire 1, a result of rushed approvals by the Biden Administration.

“Victory for Long Island — and we’re just getting started. Together with local, state, and federal leaders, we fought back against radical offshore wind projects — and thanks to President Trump, we’re winning,” stated Assemblyman Ari Brown

“For more than three years, I’ve sounded the alarm on Empire Wind One - a reckless gamble that threatened our environment, our economy, and our coastal way of life. President Trump halting this project is a victory for common sense, for hardworking fishermen, and for every New Yorker who refuses to let radical green mandates dictate our future,” stated former Congressman Anthony D’Esposito.  

“The Empire Wind project has been canceled—and that’s a direct result of relentless community pressure, transparency demands, and elected officials who refused to stay silent. Together we stood up, we spoke out, and we exposed the flaws in a project that was being forced on us without local input. This victory proves that when we fight back against top-down mandates and demand accountability, we can win. Our job isn’t to rubber-stamp Albany’s agenda—it’s to protect our communities, and that’s exactly what we did.,” stated Nassau County Legislator Pat Mullaney

“Our message couldn’t be clearer,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick concluded. “I support cleaner energy—but not when it puts safety, transparency, and local control at risk. I’m grateful to President Trump, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Secretary Doug Burgum for prioritizing our quality of life here on the coast. I also want to thank the local officials who stood united against these reckless proposals, and most of all, the residents who continue to raise their voices and fight to protect our shoreline. Your voices are being heard—and you’re making an impact.”    

Yesterday’s decision comes after years of public outcry over the project’s environmental risks, economic consequences, and disregard for local input. Residents and local leaders have continually voiced concerns about the impact of industrial wind turbines on marine life, migratory birds, and the coastal fishing industry. They are also fighting the prospect of lithium-ion battery storage facilities to be built near homes and schools—facilities that could pose dangerous safety risks.

Video can be found HERE