TRENTON – Senator John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland), one of the original sponsors of legislation establishing the framework to make New Jersey the East Coast hub for the offshore wind industry, issued the following statement in response to the Board of Public Utility’s decision not to proceed with plans for the development of the Atlantic Shores project:

“This decision is extremely disappointing. Atlantic Shores and other wind projects had the potential to create jobs, generate long-term economic activity and provide much needed, reliable sources of energy generation for New Jersey.

“South Jersey was well positioned to be the hub of a growing industry with facilities that assemble and supply many of the components for projects throughout the region, and to help the state meet its growing energy needs into the future. Unfortunately, it may be a future of lost opportunities.

“While there were a number of factors that contributed to the present demise of this project, the moratorium imposed by President Trump was a decisive blow. The President’s actions putting a ‘pause’ on new or renewed leases and his stated hostility to offshore and onshore wind undermined progress with an industry that offers real promise.

“Losing new sources of energy production is not good for consumers. Reducing the supply puts upward pressure on the demand – and the costs – of energy. Taking these projects offline also results in the loss of short-term and permanent jobs that would fuel economic growth. The President’s actions were shortsighted and the consequences are harmful.

“I hope there will be a future reconsideration so that we can reclaim the benefits this industry offers.”