Governor Murphy Aggressively Targets Offshore Wind, COA Urges Caution

Governor Murphy expressed his strong support for the development of an offshore wind industry off the coast of New Jersey. Recent legislation directs the state to outline a plan to develop 3,500 MW of offshore wind energy by 2030. On September 17, the BPU opened the solicitation process for the first 1,100 MW. The solicitation will allow developers seeking to build offshore wind facilities to
submit applications for approval. The application window began on September 20, 2018 and closes on December 28, 2018. The Board intends to act on the applications by July 1, 2019.

The governor’s commitment comes after New York’s petition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the federal agency responsible for permitting and leasing offshore wind energy sites, is to begin its four step process in leasing new wind energy areas. The proposal highlights four potential areas for development. Together the areas constitute 2,074 square nautical miles. 

Four proposed offshore wind lease areas in the New York/New Jersey Bright

While the ocean may hold significant promise for renewable energy, Clean Ocean Action urges for a cautious approach. A transparent process with meaningful citizen involvement must come before development. At the same time, a rigorous environmental review of the entire scope and magnitude of the proposed projects, both individually and cumulatively, must be undertaken.  This would include the impacts to marine life, as well as to the coastal communities that will host the
industrial facilities needed for the development of offshore wind. The long-term operation and maintenance requirements must also be evaluated and understood. 

Jellyfish and Turtles and Pathogens in July, Oh My!

Citizen Water Quality Monitors during Week 1 of IDEXX Sampling

Rally for the waterways July 26th meeting focused on invasive and local critters. Dr. Paul Bologna, Director of Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences at Montclair State University, spoke about clinging jellyfish in the Shrewsbury River and other estuaries throughout the state. These tiny, non-native jellyfish with a painful sting were first found in New Jersey waters in 2016 and were once again spotted this summer in the Shrewsbury and Metedeconk Rivers, as well as Barnegat Bay.

Dr. Bologna discussing Clinging Jellyfish in the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers

The meeting also featured local residents of the Jersey shore: Northern Diamondback Terrapins. Michael Haughwout, a biology teacher at Rumson Fair Haven High School, is working with colleagues and students to learn more about terrapin populations in the Navesink and Shrewsbury River watersheds.

Michael Haughwout discussing Diamondback Terrapins

Finally, an overview of year two of the Navesink River Ambient Source Track Down Program and the recently initiated IDEXX study was provided by COA’s Staff Scientist Dr. Swarna Muthukrishnan.

Two Fitness Benefits for COA

Waves of thanks to April Puciata and Palette Gallery for hosting a yoga class on Saturday, July 7 benefiting COA and AB Fitness for hosting Workout for Waves on Tuesday, June 26!

Surf Night at the Beach Haus Brewery

Saturday, August 25th from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM 

After an amazing Beers and Bands event in July, Beach Haus Brewery at 801 Main St. in Belmar, NJ is back at it with another night  of great beer, live jams and support for the ocean. We’ll have local surf bands playing all night, Beach Haus Brewery’s fine selection of beers on tap and a chance to chat with COA staff about everything we are doing to keep our favorite local breaks free of pollution.