“Any new industry faces challenges and global economic headwinds, and offshore wind remains a key piece of NJ’s clean energy puzzle. This crucial renewable energy source promises energy independence, job creation, continued workforce development, public health benefits, and major benefits for the climate including wildlife,” said Cortney Koenig Worrall, President, and CEO of Waterfront Alliance. “It is critical that the multiple factors leading to Orsted’s decision be addressed immediately to ensure we meet our energy goals as a country, as a region and for the state of New Jersey.”
“We appreciate Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature’s commitment to offshore wind. Governor Murphy and the Legislature know the benefits of offshore wind, including reducing air pollution, creating good local jobs that can’t be outsourced, ensuring energy independence and affordability, and protecting our oceans. That’s why they supported responsibly developed offshore wind and were proud to be strong advocates for all New Jerseyans by adding in bonds to Orsted’s offshore wind projects to ensure successful completion,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV.
“While it’s disappointing to hear Orsted is not moving forward, they did pony up $300 million in performance bonds to ensure the projects were built. I expect Orsted to make good on their payment obligation due to their failure to complete the much needed clean and reliable offshore wind projects. Every new industry has its setbacks. However, this decision should not distract from our efforts to move toward a clean energy future in New Jersey using offshore wind as a tool to protect our oceans and mitigate climate change.”
“Despite the disappointing news that Ørsted is no longer moving forward with Ocean Wind I and II, New Jersey’s opportunity to take advantage of this powerful renewable energy source does not stop here. The beginning of an industry will inevitably face hurdles especially in an environment of inflation and supply chain bottlenecks, but New Jersey will move forward,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, New Jersey Director for the Sierra Club. “Responsibly developed offshore wind can be developed, our neighbors have done it with Vineyard Wind and South Fork. We are eager for the third round of solicitations and see this just as a setback in our timeline, not our goals of cleaner air, jobs and transitioning away from fossil fuels.”
“Today’s announcement is tremendously unfortunate. It’s a significant setback in our state and nation’s ability to transition away from dirty fossil fuels and to clean, renewable energy sources,” said Jennifer M. Coffey, Executive Director Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC). “ANJEC is committed to helping communities reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to becoming more resilient to the impacts of the climate crisis.”
“UU Faith Action Statement – “We are deeply disappointed by the Orsted announcement and see this as a major setback to green jobs and clean energy in the state,” said Charles Loflin, Executive Director of Unitarian Universalist Faith Action NJ. “It is high time for the people and the government of New Jersey to disinvest in fossil fuels which are killing our planet and our personal health, and to shift those funds toward energy conservation, solar and offshore wind.”
“The cancellation of these two NJ projects means dirtier air and water, less good local jobs, less energy independence, and more frequent and intense storms,” said Captain Paul Eidman, Anglers for Offshore Wind. “Our future generations are counting on us to fight for their future!”
“I express my deep disappointment in the recent decision by Orsted not to move forward with the Ocean Wind I and II projects. These projects symbolized a chance for us to harness the power of the wind, a clean and sustainable energy source, and to reduce our reliance on harmful fossil fuels,” said Reverend Ronald Tuff of GreenFaith. “Moreover the creation of well-paying union jobs in the renewable energy sector would not only have improved the livelihoods of many within our community but also set an example of responsible, sustainable growth. In this moment of disappointment, let us remember that our faith calls us to persevere in the face of adversity, to seek justice and righteousness, and to work together for the common good. We will continue to pray for wisdom and guidance as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in our collective journey toward a more sustainable and just world.”
“While Orsted’s decision is disappointing, it does not change how important developing offshore wind is in the larger transition to a clean energy economy,” said Richard Lawton, executive director of the NJ Sustainable Business Council. “Innovative new entrants to a market dominated by an entrenched monopoly always face challenges, even in the best of economic conditions. The case for offshore wind remains as compelling as ever. Locally produced and consumed offshore wind promises energy independence and the creation of a domestic supply chain that will create new business opportunities and thousands of family-sustaining jobs.”
“Communities who bear the brunt of fossil fuel pollution are depending on a clean energy future that offshore wind will help bring,” said Antoinette Miles, Interim State Director of the New Jersey Working Families Party. “The cancellation of two offshore wind projects by Orsted is a setback for these communities. However, we know that NJ can, and will, continue to pursue a clean energy economy where all communities thrive. I seriously question those who celebrate a future without clean air and clean water, more climate disasters, and fewer family-sustaining union jobs.”
“The news is very disappointing and a hurdle for more job creation in New Jersey. That said, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters goal to train the safest, most productive, and professional commercial divers at our state-of-the-art Dive Center in Sicklerville, NJ is still very much alive. There are still offshore wind projects planned up and down the East Coast that union carpenters are prepared to build. Our Dive Center is the only Union Dive Center on the east coast and our Union will be prepared for the next step in this new energy industry,” said Anthony Abrantes, Assistant Executive Secretary – Treasurer, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.