Ocean City Mayor Addresses Offshore Wind Farm Concerns

OCEAN CITY, NJ — During last night’s council meeting, Mayor Jay Gillian discussed potential benefits he’s seeking for Ocean City from Ørsted’s proposed wind farm off New Jersey's southern coast.

Ørsted's Ocean Wind project would construct 99 wind turbines about 15 miles off the coast from Atlantic City to Cape May. The wind farm has drawn opposition from several southern coastal communities, citing environmental concern for marine life and its impact on fishing and tourism industries.

“I have listened to an overwhelming number of citizens who have expressed concerns about the project and I have done my own due diligence,” Gillian said. “There is no way it can be constructed without making a direct impact on Ocean City.”

In the proposed project, the wind farm would connect to the land-based electric grids at the decommissioned B.L. England Generating Station in Marmora. Ørsted representatives have proposed running the underground electric cables through Ocean City to reach Marmora.

Gillian said Ocean Wind has reached out to the administration to discuss potential host community benefits for Ocean City.

During last night’s council meeting, Gillian said he plans to push for the following:

• The wind turbines should not be seen. This project can be altered by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to eliminate visual impact from the beach.
• The project should not move forward until all concerns of the fishing communities are adequately addressed.
• The project should not move forward until any potential threats to the environment and the public are addressed.
• Ocean Wind should provide Ocean City with an annual impact fee and fund a flood mitigation project in the area where transmission lines would cross under the island.

“I understand that federal and state decision makers have the power to approve this project without Ocean City’s consent, but I intend to do everything in my power to advocate for Ocean City’s best interests,” Gillian said. “I believe in the objectives of clean energy, but I know these can be advanced while also addressing the points I’ve just listed.”

Gillian reminded residents about Ørsted’s open house on Nov. 6 at the Ocean City Music Pier. Ørsted representatives will be on hand to field questions on various aspects of the project in a public fashion.

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10 a.m. and running until approximately 1 p.m.

The in-person meeting will also include a virtual option. Those who choose to participate virtually can register to watch the event here. Questions will also be accepted virtually.

Read more: Ørsted To Address Offshore Wind Farm Concerns In Ocean City

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