Behemoth Windmills Will Not Happen Off Atlantic City & NJ Coast

In welcome news for most residents of New Jersey, Orsted has announced that it’s much criticized Ocean Wind 1 and 2 projects off the New Jersey Coast will not happen.

Previously, Orsted announced that the wind farms would open in 2025.

We talked to United States Congressman Jeff Van Drew late last night who said,

It’s a real life David beats Goliath happy ending. These Green New Deal style wind farms were bad for our economy, bad for our environment, and would have been an unmitigated disaster for South Jersey's hardworking middle class families which is why we fought like hell over the last few years to make their defeat a reality. Thank you to the County of Cape May, Judge Donohue, all of the various grassroots organizations that spring up, and most importantly the people of South Jersey. While we welcome the news that Orsted has abandoned Ocean Wind One & Two, we need to build on this momentum and see to it the remaining projects proposed off our Coast meet the same fate.

Van Drew, along with New Jersey Senators Vince Polistina, Michael Testa, and a large contingent of local elected officials fought the good fight throughout this contentious battle.

Brigantine Mayor Vince Sera also provided supreme leadership during the campaign to try and defeat the offshore wind farm scheme.

Sera said to us:

The Brigantine community is happy to see Orsted pull out of New Jersey. These ocean wind projects are bad for the environment, bad for our economy, and have no positive impact on climate change or global warming.

It was all very frustrating and disconcerting to the vast majority of the citizens of New Jersey who were vehemently opposed to 1,000-foot tall wind turbines being fabricated off the New Jersey coastline.

Despite widespread disapproval, President Joe Biden, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and other Democrat elected officials like Atlantic County Commissioner Caren Fitzpatrick raced to fast-track this unpopular project at breakneck speed.

It’s another example of why no matter how daunting the odds appear to be, never give up the good fight.

Years ago, the southern portion of New Jersey also defeated big money and heavy political clout to defeat casino gaming in North Jersey.

This, too was a David versus Goliath scenario.

About its decision to pull out, Orsted said:

Following decisions of its Board of Directors, Orsted will cease development of the Ocean Wind 1 and 2 projects and has taken final investment decision on the Revolution Wind project. The decisions are part of an ongoing review of Orsted's US offshore wind portfolio.

Further, Orsted said:

”Orsted has taken the decision to cease the development of the Ocean Wind 1 and 2 projects. This is a consequence of additional supplier delays further impacting the project schedule and leading to an additional significant project delay.”