Atlantic City Offshore Wind Project Approved

Atlantic City Offshore Wind Project Approved

Another New Jersey Wind Farm project looks to be moving forward as the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind was officially approved by the Atlantic City Council.

The decision came after a controversial council meeting featuring four hours of public commentary, most of which opposed the project.

Residents and stakeholders from across the state gathered to voice their opinions, highlighting the deep divide over the initiative.

Those unable to attend in person were able to follow the meeting through a live stream available on the city’s website.

The debate underscored the tension between local and statewide interests in renewable energy projects.

Tempers flared during the public comment session when a speaker accused council members of not acting in Atlantic City’s best interests.

The remark prompted a strong response from one council member, who defended the council’s commitment to the community.

With one of the council members telling the audience that every single person on the council lives on the island.

“Every single person on this council lives on the island,” the council member said. “So to indicate that we don’t have the best interest of the city that we live in and from you outside have a greater interest, than those of us who live here, doesn’t make too much sense.”

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The approval of the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind project is a significant development in New Jersey’s push toward renewable energy.

Supporters argue the project will create jobs and help combat climate change, while opponents raise concerns about environmental impacts, tourism disruption, and local oversight.

Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind has received federal approval from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for its Construction and Operations Plans (COP) for Projects 1 and 2 off the coast of Atlantic City.

Together, these projects will generate 2,800 MW of renewable energy, powering over 1 million New Jersey homes.

Construction is set to begin next year, bringing thousands of jobs and billions in economic investments to the state.

Project 1 sits roughly about 8-20 miles off the coast of Atlantic City, and will have 157 turbines once completed.

The cables will be coming out of Atlantic City and off the island via the Blake Horse Pike before being attached to the power grid in Egg Harbor Township.