filed: October 15, 2024 • New Jersey
New coalition of municipalities opposes New Jersey’s offshore wind projects
Credit: Oct. 13, 2024 · shorenewsnetwork.com ~~
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.
https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2024/10/15/new-coalition-of-municipalities-opposes-new-jerseys-offshore-wind-projects/
