Pallone boosts offshore NJ Wind Energy Zone development

Decisions paving the way toward commercial wind energy development off the New Jersey coast gets solid support from shore Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06), ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced a competitive sale of leases for 343,833 offshore acres, collectively termed the New Jersey Wind Energy Area, commencing November 9 of this year.

Federal officials estimate that the zone could generate as many as 3,400 megawatts. The zone forms about seven nautical miles from shore and extend parallel to the coast, roughly, from the center of Long Beach Island to the outskirts of Cape May.

“By pursuing commercial energy development from renewable resources off the coast of New Jersey, the Department of Interior is taking an important step toward cutting carbon pollution and developing domestic clean energy, all while creating American jobs,” the Monmouth Democrat said in a prepared statement.

“The New Jersey Wind Energy Area is uniquely positioned to take advantage of our vast coastline, and could generate enough clean, renewable energy to power about 1.2 million homes.  New Jersey can lead the way in building a far more sustainable energy industry right here at home. With this project, an example of the future of energy policy in our country, we are well on the way.”

Full details, including the map, can be seen on the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management web page.