White House Approves New Jersey Wind Farm

White House Approves New Jersey Wind Farm

The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has announced the White House’s approval of the Ocean Wind 1 project offshore New Jersey.

This project, located approximately 13 nautical miles southeast of Atlantic City, marks the Biden-Harris administration’s third approval of a commercial-scale offshore wind energy project in the United States. With an estimated capacity of 1,100 megawatts, the Ocean Wind 1 project will provide clean energy to over 380,000 homes and create more than 3,000 jobs during its three-year construction cycle.

This decision aligns with the administration’s commitment to developing 30 gigawatts of clean, renewable offshore wind energy by 2030 while considering environmental and marine life impacts.

From the outset, the Biden-Harris administration has prioritized jump-starting the offshore wind industry nationwide, and the approval of the Ocean Wind 1 project is a significant milestone in these efforts. By supporting responsible clean energy development, the administration aims to combat climate change, create good-paying union jobs, and power the nation sustainably.

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Secretary Deb Haaland emphasizes the collaboration between federal, state, and local leaders, Tribes, and other stakeholders in pursuing clean energy solutions that benefit communities while minimizing potential environmental and marine life impacts.

BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein highlights the federal government’s commitment to developing clean energy and fighting climate change. The approval of the Ocean Wind 1 project is a testament to the leadership of the state of New Jersey in supporting sustainable sources of energy and driving economic development for coastal communities.

This project represents a significant step forward for the offshore wind industry in the United States, paving the way for further expansion and strengthening the nation’s energy security.

President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and “Bidenomics” strategy focused on growing the American economy from the middle out and bottom up. These efforts include rebuilding infrastructure, driving private sector investments in manufacturing and clean energy, creating well-paying jobs, and building a clean energy economy to combat climate change and enhance community resilience.

The administration’s substantial investment in infrastructure and clean energy projects demonstrates its commitment to a sustainable future and expanding offshore wind energy to other areas across the country.

The Record of Decision (ROD) issued by BOEM outlines Ocean Wind LLC’s plan to construct up to 98 wind turbines and three offshore substations within its lease area.

To mitigate potential impacts on protected species, such as marine mammals, sea turtles, and Atlantic sturgeon, Ocean Wind has committed to extensive monitoring and mitigation measures. These measures include vessel speed restrictions and clearance zones during construction. Additionally, the project includes fisheries mitigation programs to compensate for lost revenues and damaged commercial fishing gear.

BOEM’s decision-making process involved comprehensive stakeholder engagement and environmental assessment.

The agency initiated a public comment period and held virtual meetings to solicit feedback from Tribal nations, local communities, commercial fishing interests, and other ocean users. Over 1,300 comments were received from various governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the general public.

Tribal consultation meetings and National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 meetings were conducted to address concerns related to historic and cultural resources and properties.

By considering the input from stakeholders and balancing the needs and interests of all affected parties, BOEM ensured the project’s development in a responsible manner.

The approval of the Ocean Wind 1 project represents a significant milestone in the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to catalyze a new clean energy industry.

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BOEM plans to review at least 16 Construction and Operations Plans for commercial offshore wind energy facilities by 2025, which could result in over 27 gigawatts of clean energy for the nation.

This ambitious agenda aligns with the administration’s commitment to combat climate change, foster job creation, and protect biodiversity and ocean co-use.

The White House’s approval of the Ocean Wind 1 project offshore New Jersey is a pivotal step towards realizing the Biden-Harris administration’s vision for a clean energy future.

By promoting responsible clean energy development, the United States can combat climate change, create employment opportunities, and enhance energy security.

The collaboration between federal, state, and local stakeholders and the extensive consideration of environmental and marine life impacts demonstrate the administration’s commitment to balancing economic growth with sustainability.

With the approval of the Ocean Wind 1 project, the United States solidifies its position as a leader in offshore wind energy and sets a promising path towards achieving its clean energy goals.

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