Trenton, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s ambitious vision to transform the state into a national leader in offshore wind energy has unraveled, marking a significant blow to his environmental legacy as his second term nears its end. Once hailed as a cornerstone of his climate agenda, the offshore wind program has faced a cascade of setbacks, leaving the state without a single operational turbine and raising questions about the feasibility of his clean energy goals.
Murphy, a Democrat who took office in 2018, staked much of his administration on offshore wind, promising it would deliver clean energy, thousands of union jobs, and a thriving green economy. His administration set aggressive targets—initially 3,500 megawatts (MW) by 2030, later expanded to 7,500 MW by 2035, and eventually 11,000 MW by 2040—envisioning a future where wind farms dotted the Atlantic horizon. Yet, as of today, the state’s offshore wind industry is in disarray, with major projects abandoned, permits revoked, and public support waning.
The unraveling began in earnest in 2023 when Ørsted, a Danish energy giant, pulled out of two major projects, Ocean Wind 1 and 2, citing inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising interest rates. The cancellation erased plans for over 2,200 MW of capacity and infuriated Murphy, who called the decision “outrageous” and vowed to hold Ørsted accountable for a promised $300 million penalty. A subsequent settlement netted the state $125 million, but the loss left a gaping hole in Murphy’s plans.
The Atlantic Shores project, another linchpin of the offshore wind initiative, suffered a fatal blow earlier this year when federal authorities yanked its permits in March 2025. The 2,800 MW project, slated to erect 195 turbines nine miles off Atlantic City, faced fierce resistance from local groups like Save LBI and coastal residents who argued it threatened tourism, fisheries, and marine life. Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), a vocal opponent, celebrated the decision as a victory for constituents, while critics accused the Murphy administration of ignoring public sentiment.
Adding to the woes, the state’s fourth solicitation for offshore wind projects collapsed in February 2025 when the Murphy administration announced it would not provide financial backing to new developments. Atlantic Shores, the sole bidder after two others withdrew, was effectively doomed, prompting Murphy to concede the industry faced “realities” he could no longer ignore. The decision stunned environmentalists and labor unions, who had banked on the promise of jobs and a cleaner future.
Despite early wins—such as the approval of 3,700 MW across three projects and investments in facilities like the New Jersey Wind Port and a monopile manufacturing plant in Paulsboro—the lack of tangible progress has eroded confidence. Not one turbine spins off New Jersey’s coast, a stark contrast to states like Rhode Island, which have operational wind farms. Critics point to mismanagement, overreliance on foreign companies like Ørsted, and a failure to address local opposition as key factors in the downfall.
Michael Makarski of Affordable Energy New Jersey, a group opposed to Murphy’s energy master plan, called the outcome “inevitable.” “The math never added up,” he said. “No amount of state or federal money could salvage a flawed approach.” Posts on X echo this sentiment, with users blaming Murphy’s “green energy scam” for rising electric rates and shuttered power plants, including four coal facilities and the Oyster Creek nuclear plant during his tenure.
Murphy’s defenders argue he faced unprecedented challenges—global economic headwinds, shifting federal priorities under a new Trump administration, and entrenched resistance from coastal communities. In a statement last month, the governor maintained that offshore wind remains a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” though he acknowledged the need to pivot. Yet, with his term ending in January 2026, time has run out to see his vision through.
The fallout extends beyond politics. New Jersey’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2035 now seems out of reach, and ratepayers face higher electricity costs without the promised renewable offset. Environmental advocates, once Murphy’s allies, lament the lost momentum. “This is a devastating setback,” said Jeff Tittel of the Sierra Club. “How will we meet our climate goals now?”
As Murphy prepares to leave office, his offshore wind legacy lies in tatters—a cautionary tale of ambition outpacing execution. For New Jerseyans, the horizon remains turbine-free, and the dream of a wind-powered future has, for now, been blown away.