NJBPU and reckless offshore wind development
Wednesday, October 18, with the ocean as a backdrop, representatives of Clean Ocean Action (COA) announced a key call to action on offshore wind energy development, urging Governor Murphy and the NJ Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to cancel the Third Solicitation. COA also ask the state to not award any additional OSW offshore wind energy development contracts.
“In the name of good governance, fiscal responsibility, and environmental stewardship, we must stop digging deeper into the hole of reckless offshore wind development,” said Cindy Zipf, Executive Director, Clean Ocean Action.
“The current irresponsible push for offshore wind is an unprecedented assault and massive experiment on the ocean, marine ecosystem, thousands of livelihoods, and the quiet seaside culture that millions enjoy from around the world, Zipf said. “ It is unacceptable for the Governor and NJBPU to move forward with even more commitments now, much less a doubling of offshore wind projects.”
The ocean advocacy group of nearly 40 years sent a letter to Governor Murphy and Christine Guhl Sadovy, recently appointed NJBPU President, calling for the Governor and legislative branches to cancel the massive third solicitation of offshore wind project bids, which could more than double the state’s current development obligation.
In early August, Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin raised concerns about the four bids in New Jersey’s Third Solicitation, saying there are still many unanswered questions about the economic impact these projects will have on ratepayers, as well as potential impacts to one of our state’s largest economic drivers, tourism at the shore.
The NJBPU has already awarded 3,750 megawatts to companies to build 3 projects in 343,834 acres of ocean, totaling 380 turbines. Currently, NJBPU seeks to award up to 4,000 MW in its Third Solicitation. Applications for four new projects have been submitted to NJBPU, which will cover the expanse of 373,623 more acres of the ocean off New Jersey.
