Reactions Pour in as Offshore Wind Deal Loses Air

Citing supply chain issues, funeral bells toll for Orsted as two large offshore wind power projects are killed

Jersey marine life and environmental activists are celebrating the defeat of Orsted as the Danish developer has nixed two of its largest projects off the Jersey shore.

Orsted CEO Mads Nipper expressed disappointment in a statement to WRAL, saying that the company was “disappointed to be halting the projects because it believes the United States needs wind power to reduce carbon emissions.”

“However, the significant adverse developments from supply chain challenges, leading to delays in the project schedule, and rising interest rates have led us to this decision,” Nipper said.

Governor Murphy released a statement via X (formerly Twitter) lamenting that “this decision calls into question [Orsted’s] credibility and competence.” Perhaps he should have listened to Mayor Paul Kanitra’s fiery warning, now a fulfilled prophecy, delivered to the Assembly earlier this year.

Various leaders and candidates from across Central Jersey have provided CJN with comments on this development:

Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger, District 13

[Asw. Flynn] and I introduced AR 181 to put a moratorium on the project months ago. People were telling us we were wasting our time, but in the end we were able to keep the pressure up with all the advocates who stepped up and organized to make their voices heard. While this certainly is welcome news for anyone who was concerned about the impact this project would have on the Jersey Shore, the environment and the ratepayers, we have to keep in mind that there are other companies with leases still in effect.

Steve Dnistrian, Comms CEO and District 11 Senate Candidate

Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York all recently decided to pull the plug on their plans for offshore wind because of the projected costs to ratepayers in their states,” said Steve Dnistrian, senate candidate in LD11. “But not New Jersey. No, Phil Murphy and Vin Gopal remained determined to push these multi-billion-dollar offshore wind farms onto the Jersey Shore, regardless of the cost to people, impact on whales and dolphins, and growing public opposition. Gopal and the Democrats voted for this multibillion effort since 2018, and now they are running for their record, like with all other major issues.

Asw. Vicky Flynn, District 13

The LD13 team took the lead in Trenton to stop the madness. We knew from the onset that these wind projects were bad for the Jersey Shore. Trenton Democrats tried to sneak these projects thorough, under the cover of night, without public scrutiny as well as passing bills to silence local oversight. However, that became nearly impossible to continue when Orsted required a billion-dollar taxpayer funded bailout to survive. New Jersey voters will remember when we spoke out against these offshore wind projects, fighting against proposals that never made sense financially or environmentally. They will also remember how Democrats ignored us and gave a multi-billion bailout to foreign energy corporations only four short months later. Purposefully neglecting the ramifications to ratepayers, our beloved oceans and marine ecosystems. Now that one domino has seemingly fallen, we call on voters to remember this come November 7th and vote to usher in change, removing the unilateral authority Trenton Democrats have ruled with for far too long.

Mayor Paul Kanitra, Point Pleasant Beach & District 10 Assembly Candidate

This decision is a testament to each and every individual who had the spine and fortitude to speak up publicly, take a stand and fight back against this nonsense. The Jersey Shore is going to be a better place for generations to come because of their efforts. Now, we just need to get back the taxpayers’ billions from this greedy corporate debacle and all will be right in the world.

Sen. Declan O’ Scanlon, District 13

For those of us who simply asked reasonable questions about the long term, practicable viability of these systems…this is an “I told you so” moment. We all would love an unending source of energy with no drawbacks. But wind never seemed to add up. That’s a shame. But now a reality. Also a shame is the lack of critical assessment on the part of the Murphy administration and the Democrat led legislature. How about we elect Republicans on Tuesday and get real, logical analysis of these schemes…and all other policies these people have saddled us with that we will continue to pay for.

Sean DiSomma, Tech CEO and Candidate for Belmar Borough Council

Today is a great day for the Jersey Shore. As someone whose opposed Phil Murphy’s wind farm from day one, this feels really good. The people of Belmar can sleep well tonight knowing that our beautiful coastline will not be industrialized.

Mayor Tony Perry, Middletown

For months, residents from across our state, spanning both sides of the political spectrum, have voiced serious concerns regarding the controversial Orsted Wind Energy project. Now, after Trenton provided a staggering $1 billion bailout to this faltering company, they have decided to abandon their endeavors. While this development is a positive outcome for the Jersey Shore, it remains disconcerting that taxpayers are left footing the bill for this ill-fated and deeply flawed project. Furthermore, it brings relief to the diverse marine life population that has undeniably suffered, as New Jersey witnessed an alarming surge in the number of dead and distressed whales and dolphins washing up on our beaches.

Council President Brian Thomas, Neptune City

As one of the first elected officials to sound the alarm, I’m extremely encouraged by this news. New Jersey residents and local electeds along the Jersey Shore have been sending a clear message to Trenton and Governor Murphy that our beaches are not for sale - now we’re one step closer to having the price tag that the Legislature put on us permanently removed. Trenton Democrats should learn the meaning of ‘you can’t fight city hall,’ because their attempts of pushing back-room deals in the dark and passing laws to bypass municipal governmental authority are now coming around to haunt them - fitting with this decision being announced on Halloween. But don’t let Trenton Democrat politicians fool you, they announced this close too Election Day to soften New Jersey voters’ anger towards them. We have won a battle, but this conflict is far from over. We need to send a clear message on November 7th that we have had enough & we are going to hold legislators accountable.

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