Offshore wind off of New Jersey will continue, say over 170 elected officials for our energy independence

For environmental justice, jobs and energy security offshore wind will move forward in NJ say over 170 EOPA elected officials

On October 31, Ørsted, offshore wind developer, announced their decision to cease the development of the Ocean Wind 1 and 2 projects in New Jersey. In part they blamed ongoing supply chain issues, and increases in US interest rates. The current challenges around offshore wind project prices are a temporary reflection of power purchase agreements that were signed before the pandemic, when high supply chain costs and interest rates were unforeseen.

Elected Officials to Protect America (EOPA) stands steadfast in its support for offshore wind projects. The transition to renewable energy is the only path to energy independence in a world of extreme weather caused by the climate crisis — which has been fueled by the usage of fossil fuels. Continued fossil fuel generation is not an option as the national security cost of climate inaction is too high.

“A clean energy future is an energy secure future, which will mitigate extreme weather threats,” said Alex Cornell du Houx, former Maine State Representative, Marine combat veteran, and President of Elected Officials to Protect America. “Offshore wind developments are historic investments in our security, prosperity, and health. The EOPA New Jersey community of elected officials from across the state remain committed to offshore winds and promise of energy independence.”

Over 170 elected officials from all levels of government have signed on to an EOPA New Jersey letter for the responsible buildout of offshore wind.

“While I am incredibly disappointed in the decision to terminate the projects, Ørsted’s announcement is just a setback. I eagerly anticipate the third round of offshore wind project awards and remain steadfast in support of New Jersey achieving 100 percent clean energy,” said Caren Fitzpatrick, Atlantic County Commissioner, New Jersey, EOPA New Jersey Leadership Council. “The future of offshore wind is strong in New Jersey because we have made considerable investments to be an American and global hub for offshore wind energy. It promises our energy independence, local, family-sustaining jobs, continued investments in workforce development, and public health, particularly for those disproportionately impacted by fossil fuel pollution.”

Over the past few weeks there have been a historically high number of bids into New Jersey’s ongoing third offshore wind solicitation.

“While this announcement is disappointing, offshore wind energy for New Jersey and the nation is inevitable. It’s a major component that will bring Justice40 communities like mine, relief from the ongoing injustices we continue to suffer from,” said Kaleem Shabazz, Atlantic City Councilmember, President of NAACP Atlantic City, EOPA New Jersey Leadership Council Member. “Training facilities are already up and running with students from my community. It is critical to our economic, environmental, and clean energy future.”

Inland New Jersey lawmakers stand in strong support of continued offshore wind developments.

“In Burlington residents suffer from polluting fossil fuel powered trucks. It continues to endanger too many people’s health. When all light-duty cars on the road are electric vehicles, we’ll need about 30 percent more electric energy feeding our grid. With EV trucks, that need for clean power will go up. Offshore wind is consistent day and night. It is key to our clean energy future to power our EVs and homes. It is key to lift up our environmental justice communities with training and union jobs, while improving health outcomes,” said Balvir Singh, Burlington County Commissioner, Elected Officials to Protect America New Jersey Leadership Council member. “Offshore wind power, and other renewable energy sources, will drive the transition of the electrification of transportation as the internal combustion engines did in the early twentieth century for the oil industry. The magnitude this represents for our health and economy is huge.”

Offshore wind has already been built responsibly in America, as demonstrated off the coast of Rhode Island, and by the continued construction of neighboring states’ South Fork and Vineyard Wind projects.

About Elected Officials to Protect America: EOPA is a network of current and former elected officials who care deeply about protecting the planet and people. EOPA is committed to help solve the climate crisis, ensure environmental justice, and protect our lands and waters. EOPA educates through value-based storytelling, training lawmakers, and connecting elected officials to inspire strong environmental leadership. EOPA – New Jersey is a statewide, non-partisan network of elected officials from New Jersey committed to protecting our communities.