We, the undersigned elected officials, support the responsible development of offshore wind for New Jersey to create jobs, lead America’s clean energy economy, and protect our state from the worst impacts of the climate emergency.

Without immediate action, much of New Jersey’s current coastline will be lost under a projected 7 feet of sea-level rise by the end of the century, along with the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans. The financial loss will be catastrophic: up to $180 billion –– or the equivalent of three Superstorm Sandys.

Federal action has cleared the way for New Jersey to mitigate this human and economic catastrophe and to generate significant economic opportunity with offshore wind. The average wind farm being considered for New Jersey is projected to create 4,300 skilled, well-paying jobs and add $702 million to the economy. 

Governor Murphy rightfully committed to increase the state’s offshore wind capacity to 11,000 MW by 2040 to meet our state’s ambitious mandate to generate half our electricity from renewable sources. New Jersey’s first wind farm will reduce carbon emissions by 2.2 million tons annually — the equivalent of taking 400,000 cars off the road — and provide a reliable and scalable source of energy immune to supply shortages and price shocks. 

The Atlantic seaboard has the technical potential to produce more than four times our current energy demand, and almost double the projected demand in 2050. New Jersey’s strong, consistent offshore wind and wide, shallow continental shelf enables economical deployment of offshore wind using existing technology. 

Support for offshore wind development is growing rapidly in the state. A wide majority of New Jersey voters (82%) favor expanding wind energy here, and nearly three-quarters (73%) believe that offshore wind will impact our environment in a positive way.

Many constituencies of New Jerseyans support offshore wind: businesses, community groups, labor unions, and environmental groups all want to see offshore wind developed responsibly. To ensure the economic benefits of offshore wind are shared equitably, frontline communities and especially communities of color must be included in the manufacturing, development, and generation of offshore wind power.

New Jersey can lead our nation in developing America’s offshore wind power, which has the potential to meet 90% of total U.S. energy demand by 2050. We’re at the vanguard of a new clean, renewable energy industry that will generate thousands of jobs, create prosperity for our communities, improve our health, and help protect our coastlines. 

Offshore wind is key to New Jersey’s future.