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.
Towns raising concern over turbine transport
Municipal officials along the planned transport route for a wind turbine bound for Union Beach are not yet on board with the plan to transport 200 tons of components through their communities. Monmouth County officials are requiring the transporter to receive permission from Union Beach, Keyport, Hazlet, Matawan, Aberdeen and Marlboro, all members of the Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority (BRSA). “The concern the council has, and that includes myself, is that Matawan is a historic municipality dating back 325 years. . . .
Hazlet, Union Beach may pull out of BRSA
The relationship between Union Beach and BRSA has been strained by the sewerage authority’s plans to erect a 386-foottall wind turbine, which the borough opposes. Union Beach and BRSA have traded legal actions and, according to court documents, oral arguments could be heard in January. In addition to Union Beach, the towns of Hazlet, Holmdel, Keyport and Matawan have passed resolutions opposing construction of the wind turbine.
Decision to be made on Walmart windmills Wednesday
A law passed by the State Senate and General Assembly in November 2009 changed the definition of “inherently beneficial use” to include wind structures. Under a second law, municipalities are kept from “unreasonably” limiting small wind energy system installations.
State stomps local voice in wind farm mandate
Concerning the Legislature’s final passage of a bill that, if signed by the governor, would allow the construction of wind-energy towers on rural land, specifically in Cumberland and Salem counties, with only minor local approval: So, North Jersey politicians sponsor a bill specifically designed to allow 50-story-tall wind turbines in Salem and Cumberland counties. And, the local residents will not be allowed to have a say in the matter. And, most of our “representatives” at the Statehouse think that’s a . . .
Proven energy sources the way to go
Let me get this straight, the Courier News editorial staff is recommending that New Jersey continue burning coal to generate electricity rather than converting to natural gas, an alternative that would reduce emissions by more than 90 percent, while we wait for solar and wind options to become technically and economically feasible (”Short Circuit Christie’s Energy Plans”, Dec. 11). I realize that as loyal members of the liberal media you feel compelled to genuflect to the environmental lobby, but this . . .
Cumberland, Salem wind farm measures await Christie’s approval
The Legislature has approved legislation that could lead to wind turbine development on both preserved and nonpreserved farmland in Cumberland and Salem counties. Opponents, including state Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher, a Cumberland County resident, argued that the proposal could gut the intent of a state program that has paid out more than $1 billion over the years for farmland preservation. They contend that farmland could become commercial energy-production centers. However, supporters say they need the money for hosting . . .
Matawan raises concerns over turbine transport
Municipalities along the transport route for a wind turbine bound for Union Beach are not yet on board with the transport of 200 tons of components through their borders. “The concern the council has, and that includes myself, is that Matawan is a historic municipality dating back 325 years. I am not saying the roads are that old, but they are pretty close to it,” Mayor Paul Buccellato said at the Borough Council’s Dec. 19 meeting. “My concern is that, . . .
N.J. Senate and Assembly pass bill remove nearly all local review of wind turbine projects in Cumberland, Salem counties
Both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly have passed a bill that, if signed by the governor, 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 bill — approved by the assembly on Dec. 5, with the Senate passing the Assembly’s version of the legislation on Dec. 15 — only applies to Cumberland and Salem counties, and allow for one wind turbine per . . .
County wind tower bill on Christie’s desk
Both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly have passed a bill that, if signed by the governor, 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 bill — approved by the assembly on Dec. 5, with the Senate passing the Assembly’s version of the legislation on Dec. 15 — only applies to Cumberland and Salem counties, and allow for one wind turbine per . . .
Windmill in Ocean Gate gives going green bad name
Two years ago, Ocean Gate put up its first wind turbine. Although there were residents opposing the turbine before it went up, most residents voiced no opinion on it. Once it was up, the resident complaints started coming in about the turbine and for the last 22 months, residents closest to the turbine have tried to get answers, to no avail, from the governing body of the town on the cost-effectiveness of our first turbine. Now construction has started on . . .
