A county in New Jersey unanimously voted against an offshore wind farm proposed along its coastline, citing the development’s potential negative environmental and tourism impact.
The Cape May Board of Commissioners voted (pdf) 4-0 this week on an ordinance oppose farms that are being developed by a Denmark-based firm, Orsted, under its Ocean Wind 1 and Ocean Wind 2 projects. The county also indicated that it will seek legal avenues to block such projects and will appeal a New Jersey state utility permit that transfers property interests from county residents to Orsted.
The commissioners noted that upwards of 200 large windmills will be installed around nine miles off the coast of Cape May County and would be easily visible from its beaches. The project would also reportedly have two transmission line corridors with one substation located in Cape May County.
It also stated that Orsted did not listen to the county’s suggestions and attempted to “push aside” Cape May’s commissioners and transfer their authority to the “unelected members” of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
“At first, the County of Cape May was interested in trying to work with Orsted to find a way forward, perhaps with some modifications to the project to reduce visual, environmental and economic impacts,” Cape May County Board of Commissioners Director Len Desiderio said in a statement after the vote.
“We would like to see land-based offshore wind facilities and supply chain infrastructure built here in New Jersey, since that would create good opportunities for trade workers and others,” Desiderio also remarked. “But we cannot sit quietly by as hundreds of windmills are installed off our beaches as state and federal government agencies ignore our legitimate and serious concerns.”
interesting that NJ is showing marylander’s the way to deal with corrupt legislators, appointed regulatory members and lobbyists who are all up to their necks in the same bullsh!t down here!
the power companies own the corrupt political class in annapolis!
Simply minded folks think there is no time for the present. That same blue wave mindset always spends monies it doesnt have.
Now is not the time for venturing out, spending money that doesnt exist for ocean windmills – that will produce little for what is needed.
Fix and upgrade update your current infrastructure before a leap of faith technology that works for Euro Countries that are as big as the state of Nebraska.
Maybe in the 2050s, hut not now…..same applies to OCMD. The route 50 bridge replacement = WAY more important than windmills….or painting water towers pretty colors for a million a pop.
It doesn’t matter-the green gestapo will find a way to get it done anyway. It will just take a little longer and a bunch of lawyers will make a bunch of money in the process.
GO NUCLEAR !!!!