TOMS RIVER, NJ – After Orsted, a foreign wind developer, canceled its offshore wind projects in New Jersey, Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano are calling for the return and reinvestment of any funds given to the company. The lawmakers insist that the money should be directed towards education in the state.
Orsted had committed a $100 million escrow payment on October 4 to build New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm, slated for operation by December 2025. Failure to meet the deadline would result in the loss of the money.
Holzapfel, McGuckin, and Catalano criticize Governor Murphy for what they view as misplaced energy priorities at the expense of education. They claim that schools in areas like Toms River and Brick have suffered from funding cuts and argue that the $100 million from Orsted would be better used to address these educational shortfalls.
McGuckin further demanded that Governor Murphy confirm receipt of Orsted’s escrow payment before the cancellation of the project. He stressed that the funds should be used for education, shedding the Governor’s “extreme energy obsessions.”
Both Republican and Democrat governors, including Murphy, were aware that the offshore wind projects were at risk months ago. They sought additional federal subsidies to keep them afloat. Orsted had previously warned about potential delays or cancellation of the project due to inflation and supply chain issues.
Catalano stated that the cancellation exemplifies the consequences of misplaced priorities, calling for “real leadership” in New Jersey and urging that the $100 million be used to address the education funding gaps.