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.