Gov. Murphy Signs Bill Limiting Local Control Over Offshore Wind

TRENTON, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill Thursday that limits local government input over where cables for offshore wind energy projects can come ashore.

According to the bill, the state Board of Public Utilities has the authority to construct and maintain wires for offshore wind projects as long as they run under streets or public property.

The BPU can also approve a project if a municipality delays it.

Several towns along the southern Jersey Shore — concerned about the cables running underneath New Jersey beaches — have opposed the bill. Ocean City council passed a resolution against the bill when it was proposed in June.

Council members criticized Ørsted's wind project for being fast-tracked before state and federal environmental impact studies are released in 2023.

Residents opposing the project also fear higher electric bills from the energy generated by the wind farm and how the large turbines will impact the quality of life in Ocean City. Read more: Ocean City Residents Protest Ørsted's Offshore Wind Farm

Signing this bill is the latest step by Murphy toward his goal of transitioning New Jersey to 100 percent clean energy. Earlier this month, Murphy signed a clean energy bill package to increase solar development and push the advent of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Garden State.

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