Three anti-wind power groups, Save Long Beach Island, Defend Brigantine Beach, and Protect Our Coast NJ, have filed a lawsuit challenging a determination by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection that the Atlantic Shores wind farm project meets the requirements of a federal coastal protection law. The groups believe that the project will damage marine habitat, compress and harden the seafloor, compromise migration corridors for endangered species, and cause commercial fishing stocks to decline. They argue that the approval goes against a federal regulator’s environmental impact statement. This lawsuit is the latest obstacle facing New Jersey’s goal to become a leader in offshore wind energy.
The attorney groups behind the suit have also challenged a wind farm proposed by Danish company Orsted, which was subsequently scrapped in October. This has led to accusations by political strategist Joshua Henne that the groups are working in league with the fossil fuel industry, describing their efforts as “astroturf” seeded by these interests. However, Robin Shaffer, president of Protect Our Coast, denies these allegations, stating that his group has never accepted any money from entities connected to the fossil fuel industry. He also highlights the fact that one of the owners of Atlantic Shores is an affiliate of Shell, the global oil and gas company. Shaffer believes that state and federal officials are rushing to approve offshore wind projects without fully considering potential negative impacts.
The American Clean Power Association believes that the current slate of offshore wind projects is among the most carefully planned and analyzed infrastructure projects in U.S. history, and they are confident that their permits will withstand legal scrutiny. New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities recently opened a fourth round of solicitations for additional offshore wind projects as the state aims to generate 100% of its power from clean sources by 2035. However, the lawsuit filed by these anti-wind power groups poses a challenge to these plans and represents a significant setback in New Jersey’s quest to become a leader in offshore wind energy.
The New Jersey attorney general’s office declined to comment on the pending litigation, and Atlantic Shores did not respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit highlights the divisiveness of offshore wind projects, with some groups concerned about the potential negative impacts on marine habitat and commercial fishing stocks, while others believe that these projects are necessary for the state to meet its clean energy goals. As the state pushes forward with its offshore wind initiatives, it will be crucial to address these concerns and ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process to avoid further legal challenges.
Despite the opposition from these anti-wind power groups, New Jersey remains committed to its goal of becoming a leader in offshore wind energy. The state’s Board of Public Utilities has opened a fourth round of solicitations for additional offshore wind projects as part of its plan to generate 100% of its power from clean sources by 2035. While challenges like the lawsuit filed by these groups may pose obstacles, the state is determined to forge ahead with its offshore wind initiatives and build a sustainable, clean energy future for New Jersey. It will be essential for state and federal officials to address concerns raised by these groups and work towards a compromise that benefits both the environment and the economy.
