TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — The top Democrats in New Jersey have expressed concerns about the process for permitting offshore wind projects, going against the governor, who wants to push full steam ahead.
In a joint statement, Senate President Nick Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said recent bids solicited by the unelected Board of Public Utilities have raised some apprehension about the board’s approach.
“There are still many unanswered questions about the economic impact these projects will have on ratepayers as well as potential impacts to one of our state’s largest economic drivers, tourism at the shore,” their statement reads.
Gov. Phil Murphy has said the offshore wind industry has the potential to create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth. He wants to stay the course, bringing New Jersey to 100% renewable energy by 2035 to combat climate change.
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Republicans in New Jersey have long had concerns about offshore wind. State Sen. Anthony Bucco says it’s good to see top Democrats asking questions now.
“We are prepared to work with them to initiate a moratorium on this process until we can get answers,” said Bucco, who added there are several bills already introduced for that purpose. He hopes Democrats vote to approve the legislation to show their concerns are sincere, and said Scutari and Coughlin should bring lawmakers back to Trenton to vote on those bills.
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