TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Joseph Fiordaliso is not happy about slow-moving offshore wind farm construction. The president of the state’s Board of Public Utilities says the delays from developers are preventing the state from reaching its goals to combat climate change.
New Jersey and the Murphy Administration have set various targets for energy output, with the ultimate goal of being 100% reliant on clean energy by 2035.
While he didn’t single anyone out, Fiordaliso blames one developer in particular. “We have had, almost since day one, delay after delay after delay,” he said.
“Put your nose to the grindstone and let’s get this going again because my patience are short and your delays are intolerable. And if you can’t do that, we have to have a very intense discussion.”
Fiordaliso said there’s no time to waste.
“Climate change doesn’t delay itself. Climate change continues to progress at a rate that is dangerous.”
Ørsted, a Danish energy company, recently became the sole owner of New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm, located about 15 miles off the Atlantic City beach. Fiordaliso didn’t mention the company by name, but Ørsted is the biggest player in the game.
Ørsted says in a statement the comments from Fiordaliso were unexpected, as the company has worked closely with government agencies throughout the development process to ensure the project moves forward. The company has made significant progress, working to obtain all necessary licenses and permits, while delivering local jobs and making economic investments.
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