In the seemingly mad rush to achieve the nation’s climate goals and maximize the renewable energy opportunities presented by the Inflation Reduction Act, offshore wind farms are, or will be, cropping up near many miles of U.S. coastline. Activist groups, new and old, continue to mobilize and make their voices heard.
MOVE ’EM OUT, a New Jersey nonprofit organization devoted to preserving the unique charm and ecological balance of the state’s beaches, recently announced its opposition to proposed wind projects, underscoring the detrimental impact on New Jersey’s southern shoreline ecology, local and statewide economy and its vibrant communities.
Backed by Long Beach Island’s Coalition, which includes Long Beach Township, Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Surf City, Harvey Cedars, Barnegat Light and the LBI Municipalities, MOVE ’EM OUT champions the protection of New Jersey’s public beaches and its coastal legacy, representing residents, businesses, local and international visitors who value the shoreline’s historic significance, natural ecosystems and wildlife and its striking scenery. In favor of energy solutions that align with the environment, the organization emphasizes the necessity of protecting local ecosystems and the industries they support.
“Our coastal communities are not just rich, historic and picturesque destinations for residents and visitors, they’re home to diverse marine and aviary life and robust industries that drive our economy, power our families, our state and ultimately our nation,” says Joseph Mancini, mayor of Long Beach Township. “The proposed wind turbine project could jeopardize everything we hold dear.”
The New Jersey wind farm in question is set to receive final approval for the project in January 2024. The plan is to build 200 wind turbines nine miles off New Jersey’s coast.
This project is the closest large-scale wind turbine installation to any American shoreline, and MOVE ’EM OUT believes it won’t be the last. The U.S. government has granted billions in federal funding to build wind farms across more U.S. states and shores. It recently green-lighted another first-of-its-kind offshore wind farm project in Rhode Island and Connecticut, with construction set to begin immediately.
“The very real imminent threat to New Jersey’s coastline is just the beginning,” says Frank Huttle III, partner at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden, a New Jersey-based law firm representing the LBI Municipalities. “Other coastal regions will face similar projects in the future.”
