Equinor resumes construction of its $5bn Empire Wind project off the New York coast after a reversal of policies by the Trump administration, reflecting its commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices.

Equinor resumed construction on its Empire Wind project in New York after the Trump administration lifted the stop-work order. This decision, reached after extensive discussions with state and White House officials, supports clean energy initiatives and protects union jobs.

After negotiations between New York officials and the Trump administration, Equinor resumed construction on its Empire Wind offshore wind project. The move supports clean energy goals and secures 1,500 union jobs, marking a positive step in sustainable development.

Equinor resumed construction on the Empire Wind offshore wind project in New York after the Trump administration lifted a stop-work order, an action that saved approximately 1,500 construction jobs and advanced clean energy efforts. However, the company’s CEO publicly thanked President Trump and other officials, aligning the firm with an authoritarian figure.

Equinor released its 2023 Human Rights Statement emphasizing its commitment to human rights, worker safety, and social progress as it advances its transition to a net zero society. The statement highlights the company's acknowledgment of global human rights challenges and its role in ensuring the well-being and development of those affected by its operations.

Equinor, identified as a donor to the influential conservative think tank Onward, recently received government approval to develop the Rosebank oil field in the North Sea. This association links the company to political networks and regulatory decisions that may favor authoritarian, fossil fuel–aligned agendas.

In late August 2023, a man fell overboard from an Equinor-chartered vessel en-route to discharge in Malaysia and died. Equinor reached out to the shipowner to express condolences, offer support for investigating the incident, and ensure that remaining crew members received care.

According to data reported by OpenSecrets, Equinor spent $1,681,000 on lobbying activities in 2023. The report highlights the company's efforts to influence U.S. policy and opinion, a move that raises concerns about the prioritization of corporate interests over progressive and democratic accountability.

Equinor’s recent initiatives, as detailed on its 'Our approach to human rights' page, include establishing supply chain due diligence priorities in Tanzania and piloting human rights-focused Toolbox Talks to improve worker safety and engagement. The company is working closely with local authorities and third-party monitors to ensure fair compensation and relocation processes for communities affected by LNG projects, while also implementing innovative remote and onsite worker safety assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic.