TOMS RIVER, NJ – While Governor Phil Murphy spent his weekend from the safe and secure confines of his mansion at Island Beach State Park, he apparently hasn’t seen the real problems going on around him here at the Jersey Shore.
The entire shore area descended into chaos as a byproduct of his soft-on-crime juvenile justice reforms that handcuff local police.
As we waited for the Murphy administration to comment on this weekend’s mayhem, we were excited to see the email popup from the Governor’s office today. It wasn’t about public safety.
It was about windmills.
The Murphy Administration, in conjunction with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), has announced significant advancements in the state’s offshore wind initiatives, including an expedited solicitation schedule and a financial settlement. Governor Phil Murphy revealed that the fifth offshore wind solicitation is now set for the second quarter of 2025, advancing from the previously scheduled third quarter of 2026. This shift aims to capitalize on the burgeoning offshore wind sector, promising substantial economic and environmental rewards for New Jersey.
Governor Murphy emphasized the transformative potential of offshore wind projects, describing them as pivotal for both the state and national energy landscapes. He highlighted the expected creation of numerous high-quality, unionized jobs and the advancement of environmental health through reduced emissions. NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy echoed this sentiment, noting the crucial economic and environmental stakes that hinge on proactive state actions.
In addition to schedule changes, the NJBPU has opened its fourth solicitation for developing 1.2 to 4 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity, with applications due by 5:00 p.m. ET on July 10, 2024. However, the NJBPU will temporarily halt its collaboration with PJM Interconnection on the Second State Agreement Approach for offshore wind transmission, pending further analysis of new federal regulations and ongoing reforms.
Furthermore, the State of New Jersey and NJBPU have resolved their disputes with Orsted concerning the halted Ocean Wind 1 and Ocean Wind 2 projects. The settlement results in Orsted paying the state $125 million, funds that will support various clean energy initiatives, including qualified wind energy and offshore wind component manufacturing facilities, aligning with New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan.
These developments underscore New Jersey’s commitment to strengthening its leadership in the offshore wind industry and securing a sustainable, economically vibrant future.