Mount Laurel and its township council offered their support for the development and construction of offshore wind projects in the state on June 15, Global Wind Day.
Offshore wind is a renewable energy technology that reduces the need for fossil fuel generation. By doing so, offshore wind can mitigate climate change impacts and support economic development for the state’s workforce, and can be harnessed to generate clean, carbon-free electricity for the grid. Anchoring the offshore wind supply chain also has the potential to create thousands of jobs and generate in-state economic opportunities.
Offshore Wind farms generate electricity from wind blowing across the sea and are considered more efficient than onshore wind farms due to higher wind speed, greater consistency and lack of physical interference the land or human-made objects can present.
Offshore wind projects will deliver the clean, renewable generation of energy needed to meet the state’s goals of 50% renewable energy by 2030 and a 100% clean-energy economy by 2050.
There are numerous short-term, long-term, and environmental benefits in bringing offshore wind to New Jersey, so the township is encouraging residents, businesses and municipal officials to recognize and support state and local government efforts to do so.
“The state continues to be a leader in green and renewable energy, hoping to secure future generations’ ability to breathe clean air and reduce the devastating effects of climate change,” council noted in a release.
Mayor Stephen Steglik emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting the technology.
“New Jersey leaders have an economic and moral obligation to support offshore wind, which would create thousands of high-income, white collar and blue collar jobs while drastically reducing dangerous greenhouse gasses,” he explained.
“These jobs would put more money in the pockets of hard-working neighbors, friends, and families (and) strengthen New Jersey’s middle class while preserving our environment for generations to come.”
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has estimated the construction of wind farms will add $4.7 billion to the state economy and create more than 10,000 good-paying jobs and career opportunities in the state. That job creation will lead to long-term economic benefits while having a positive impact on our environment.
“The township and council recognize we need to be part of the solution by embracing clean, renewable energy to power our local businesses and homes, revitalize our community, grow our economy, and empower our next generation for a sustainable future,” Steglick said.
For more information, visit www.dep.nj.gov/offshorewind.
