Oceantic Network Statement on Executive Order Suspending Wind Leasing and Permitting

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced that it would not proceed with an award in its fourth offshore wind solicitation. In response to this development, Liz Burdock, founder and CEO of Oceantic Network, issued the following statement:

“Today’s decision by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to cancel its fourth offshore wind solicitation is not surprising given political headwinds and the uncertainty across the U.S. economy driven by recent federal actions. We applaud New Jersey, Governor Murphy, and Atlantic Shores for their forward commitment to developing offshore wind energy, and the fundamental economic benefits it has already brought to area residents and businesses. 

“Our confidence remains in American offshore wind and its ability to deliver energy and economic security for our communities and our country. A 40-state supply chain is delivering homegrown energy and well-paying American jobs, backed by $25 billion dollars of local investment. Three commercial-scale projects are currently under construction along the East Coast, served by Gulf vessels and shipyards, Midwestern steel mills, and deep-water ports in the Northeast. We must continue to advance all forms of domestic energy to meet rising demand and support the buildout of this industry.” 

Despite this news, it remains true that offshore wind is creating jobs across the country, strengthening the American economy through a 40-state supply chain, and delivering reliable power to our grid. That supply chain has seen over $25 billion in investment, over 64% of which has gone to Republican districts. Three projects are under construction right now, and seven more have completed their environmental reviews. The first substation for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project recently arrived, and the Maryland Public Service Commission awarded additional Offshore Renewable Energy Certificates to US Wind for its Maryland Offshore Wind Project. The industry continues to move forward. 

Oceantic Network extensively showcased the offshore wind industry’s impact on American ports, manufacturing, and shipbuilding in its recent report, "Offshore Energy at Work," as well as other materials provided below: 

• Fact Sheet: Offshore Energy at Work
• Video (3 min): American Manufacturing for Offshore Wind
• Video (2 min): Building America’s Offshore Wind Fleet  
• Video (5 min): Offshore Wind Jobs Tour: The Empire State Supply Chain   

Oceantic Network | https://oceantic.org/