Wind Power News: New Jersey
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
State agency urged to turn down proposal for first offshore wind farm
The state is being urged to reject a proposal to build New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm about three miles off Atlantic City by the Division of Rate Counsel, which argues the project fails to deliver a net economic benefit. The recommendation from a consultant hired by the division is backed by its director, Stefanie Brand, who said, “the numbers just don’t add up.” The consultant’s report was filed Friday with the Board of Public Utilities, which is expected to . . .
Potential for wind turbines off Jersey Shore advances
The potential for wind turbines off the coast of New Jersey passed one more hurdle Thursday, when Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced that several “priority areas” in the Mid-Atlantic had passed an initial environmental review. That allows the department to begin the process of offering leases to developers. “Offshore wind holds incredible potential for our country, and we’re moving full-steam ahead to accelerate the siting, leasing, and construction of new projects,” Salazar said. Eleven companies have expressed interest in building . . .
Bayonne’s new turbine that will power MUA pumping stations has its official bow as some neighbors air noise and safety concerns
The Peninsula City’s newly erected wind turbine was officially unveiled yesterday. Located at the Bayonne Municipal Utility Authority’s Oak Street Pumping station, the turbine will produce 3.3 gigawatt hours of electricity a year, enough to power 600 single-family homes for the year, officials said. Comprised of a roughly 260-foot tower and a 1.5 megawatt center piece, the turbine will be used to assist in powering the both the city’s Oak Street and Fifth Street pumping stations. It will go online . . .
Governor’s veto a plus for agriculture
It’s a sad reality that preserved farmland and open space need saving over and over again. Though secured from housing sprawl development, New Jersey’s preserved farmland often finds itself the target of proposals that would destroy the very natural resource value that prompted its preservation in the first place! Governor Chris Christie deserves credit for his conditional veto of efforts to open up preserved farmland to commercial wind farming. Assembly Bill 3992 and Senate Bill 2887 would have allowed large, . . .
Officials behind windmill project off Atlantic City say they expect to begin producing energy by Labor Day 2013
ATLANTIC CITY – A company that plans to build what could be the nation’s first offshore windmills said it was all but ready to break ground and begin construction on its multimillion-dollar project, with a goal of being up and running and turning out power by Labor Day 2013. Fishermen’s Energy of Cape May hopes to obtain a decision from the state Board of Public Utilities in March on its proposal to sell electricity from its offshore windmill proposal, the . . .
Christie sends Cumberland, Salem wind turbine bill back to legislature
Gov. Chris Christie has conditionally vetoed a bill passed by the legislature last month that would pave the way for the construction of wind towers in Cumberland and Salem counties without local regulatory review other than minor site plan approval. The governor’s objections to the bill include provisions that would make wind turbines a “primary use” on preserved farmland. The legislature will have the opportunity to vote on Christie’s recommended changes, after which the governor may choose to sign the . . .
Christie issues conditional veto on bill to allow unrestricted wind turbines on preserved farmland in Salem, Cumberland counties
Gov. Chris Christie has conditionally vetoed a bill passed by the Legislature last month that would pave the way for the construction of wind towers in Salem and Cumberland counties without local regulatory review other than minor site plan approval. The governor’s objections to the bill include provisions that would make wind turbines a “primary use” on preserved farmland. The Legislature will have the opportunity to vote on Christie’s recommended changes, after which the governor may choose to sign the . . .
Gov. Christie vetoes bill that would have allowed wind turbines on preserved farmland
Gov. Chris Christie on Monday vetoed a measure that would allow wind turbine development on farmland preserved under a state program designed to protect New Jersey’s agricultural enterprises. The bill would also have essentially targeted farmland in Cumberland and Salem counties. Christie said in his veto message that the legislation would undermine the state Farmland Preservation Program and “emasculate ongoing efforts to authorize responsible farm-based energy development that would not disrupt agricultural purposes.” “Although establishing responsible wind energy generation on . . .
Disruptions coming as work starts on wind turbine in Bayonne
Numerous road closures and detours are planned in Bayonne starting today as construction begins on the Bayonne Municipal Utilities Authority’s wind-turbine project. City officials say the road closures are necessary to accommodate the massive pieces of the turbine, which are being delivered to the Bayonne Municipal Authority’s Oak Street Pumping station. “Police officers will be around enforcing various closures, detours and other traffic restrictions on an as needed basis,” city spokesman Joe Ryan said. The turbine, comprising a roughly 260-foot . . .
Zoning Board approves Walmart wind turbines
State law deems wind-generating facilities as an inherently beneficial use. Under a second law, municipalities are kept from “unreasonably” limiting small wind energy system installations.
“A lot of people have expressed their concerns. I haven’t heard any support from residents,” Vena said. “The state doesn’t quantify what percent in energy savings would be beneficial.”
