Congressman Holt Praises Obama's Wind Energy Plan

A recent announcement made by President Barack Obama’s administration that new funding opportunities exist for wind energy projects has drawn support from several congressional leaders, including Rep. Rush Holt.

The federal Departments of the Interior and Energy are promoting the future development of offshore wind projects with new funding opportunities for more than $50 million. The projects that could benefit are offshore wind energy deployments and several high-priority wind energy areas in New Jersey, according to a release from Holt’s office.

Holt, D-12, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, is the ranking democrat on the Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

The Monday announcement was championed by Holt, who said it represents an important step in cutting through red tape and accelerating the development of the next generation of clean energy technology in the state.

“Wind energy is the fastest growing energy source in the United States,” he said in a statement. “But nothing close to what it could be. Standing in the way of wind power meeting its potential in New Jersey and across the country are technical, budgetary, and bureaucratic challenges.”

According to the Department of the Interior, the move could streamline approval for East Coast wind farms in areas found to be most promising for offshore wind energy.

The goal is to spend the approximately $50.5 million over the next five years to speed up development. The push comes on the heels of Obama’s goal of generating 80 percent of the country’s electricity from clean sources by 2035.

In addition to New Jersey, sites off the shores of Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware have been identified for wind farm development.

The 12^th district represents Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Township, Eatontown, Tinton Falls, Little Silver, Oceanport, Rumson, Fair Haven, Freehold, Holmdel, Middletown, and Manalapan, among others.