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New coalition of municipalities opposes New Jersey’s offshore wind projects
Credit: Oct. 13, 2024 · shorenewsnetwork.com ~~
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A coalition of more than 40 municipalities and organizations across New Jersey has formed to oppose the state’s large-scale offshore wind energy projects, citing concerns over rising costs to ratepayers and potential environmental impacts. The newly-established Jersey Strong Coastal Coalition (JSCC) is calling on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to reject new contracts for two major wind energy projects being developed by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind LLC, a joint venture between Shell Oil and Électricité de France.
The coalition sent a letter this week to the BPU, warning of significant rate increases and outlining legal violations they argue would occur if the projects proceed. The two projects, involving 200 wind turbines with plans for 100 more, are slated for construction just 8.4 miles off the New Jersey coast.
“The State needs to recognize that the voices in the room are getting louder,” said Long Beach Township Mayor Joseph Mancini. “Our numbers are growing because folks are finding out about rate hikes across the board, about the risk of broken blades washing ashore.”
The letter from the JSCC highlights the economic impact on New Jersey residents, with estimates showing energy cost increases of 24% for residential users, 28% for commercial users, and 32% for industrial users. The coalition estimates that ratepayers would subsidize the wind projects by $65 billion over their lifetime, which they argue violates state laws meant to protect consumers from unreasonable energy costs.
Brigantine Mayor Vincent J. Sera echoed concerns over the long-term consequences, stating, “If we stand by and allow the industrialization of our coastline, the next generation is going to ask why we did not act when there was still time.”
The coalition also noted that more than 50 municipalities and local governments have passed resolutions calling for a review of the offshore wind projects before they move forward. The letter calls for a pause on all offshore wind projects until a thorough review of environmental, economic, and technological risks can be completed.
The Atlantic Shores wind project has already received state approval to build 200 wind turbines, but the coalition is urging the state to reject further approvals for the additional turbines. The proposed wind turbines would stand over 1,000 feet tall, beginning less than nine miles from Ocean and Atlantic counties. For comparison, similar projects along the East Coast are typically located more than 35 miles offshore.
The JSCC’s letter has been sent to both the BPU and state legislators, with a warning that they intend to appeal any contract approvals that do not comply with state law. “The BPU has smashed through these guardrails and set ratepayers and the entire NJ economy hurtling along a path into an economic ditch,” the coalition wrote in its letter to lawmakers.
Signatories of the coalition’s letter include local governments and organizations from towns across the state, ranging from Atlantic County Commissioners and Brick Township to smaller communities like Surf City and Seaside Heights.
No response from the BPU or Atlantic Shores has been made public at this time, and the projects remain under state review.
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