• The Biden administration on Wednesday approved a large offshore wind project off the coast of New Jersey, despite the high cost of the technology.
• Subsidized offshore wind prices have risen an estimated 48% since 2021, according to Bloomberg.
• “Not only will large-scale industrialized offshore wind projects in New Jersey have significant environmental, navigational, economic, and national security impacts, but the viability of these foreign-owned projects will also require U.S. taxpayers to limit their efforts. It’s clear we’re going to need subsidies that don’t cost anything,” Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey said in a press release on Friday.

The Biden administration on Wednesday approved a major offshore wind development project off the coast of New Jersey, which will lead to higher energy costs despite vociferous opposition to the project from local residents.

The US subsidiary of Danish company Orsted A/S plans to install up to 98 wind turbines and three substations off the coast of New Jersey as part of the Ocean Wind 1 development project. according to to Bloomberg. According to Bloomberg, the Biden administration is pushing ahead with the project despite rising energy costs and local opposition.

According to Bloomberg, the project will be the third large offshore wind project off the East Coast to be greenlighted for development by the Biden administration. The Biden administration said The goal of developing large-scale offshore wind farms by 2030, despite the high cost of the generation and transmission infrastructure required to reach the goal. according to to Stantech.

offshore wind energy costs 3.4 times more than electricity generated by a natural gas combined cycle power plant, according to the report. analysis From the Energy Laboratory. Subsidized offshore wind prices have risen an estimated 48% since 2021, according to Bloomberg.

Offshore and onshore wind power combined will produce only about 10% of the electricity consumed in the United States in 2022. according to to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Related: Biden administration to fund more offshore wind turbines despite rising whale deaths)

🚨Limited 🚨

Conservation groups have quietly warned Senate Democrats that offshore wind farm development may need to be “stopped” to save endangered whales.

Please see here for the detail: https://t.co/0uiJiIPzFP

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 22, 2023

New Jersey Democrats on Friday successfully passed a bill that would pour millions of dollars in tax dollars into Orsted for development. according to to the New York Post. Republican Senator Ed Dahl of New Jersey has estimated that Orsted could receive up to $1 billion in subsidies total, according to the New York Post.

“Not only will large-scale industrialized offshore wind projects in New Jersey have significant environmental, navigational, economic, and national security impacts, but the viability of these foreign-owned projects will also require U.S. taxpayers to limit their efforts. It’s clear that we’re going to need subsidies that don’t cost anything.” Republican Rep. Chris Smith (New Jersey) Said in a press release on Friday. “Furthermore, this New Jersey law will put an additional burden on electricity bills for residents already overwhelmed by unfair tax burdens and exorbitant costs of living due to high inflation.”

The approval of the project comes after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) announced in June that Smith’s order would conduct a study into the environmental, logistical and military impacts of offshore wind development in New Jersey waters. . According to a May 2023 report, about 39% of New Jersey residents want offshore wind development off the state’s coast to be paused, while only 35% want it to go ahead. . poll Graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson College.

Federal agencies have denied any link between offshore wind development and a significant increase in whale deaths and beaches, according to the Associated Press. At least 335 whales have washed up on the East Coast since 2017. according to According to The New York Times, between December 2022 and March 2023 alone, at least 10 dead whales have been sighted in New Jersey waters or beaches. according to To Asbury Park Press.

Three groups of New Jersey coastal residents have filed an appeal in state court challenging the state’s approval of the project under the state’s Coastal Management Act. according to to AP. Additionally, Cape May County officials voted unanimously in May to commit all of the Coastal County’s resources to the fight against the project as reasonably possible. according to To FOX News.

Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has consistently backed offshore wind farms in the state, but dozens of mayors across the state have halted development pending further information on the whale’s death, according to Bloomberg. I am asking you to do so.

“Today’s approval of the Ocean Wind 1 project will create high-paying union jobs while fighting climate change and empowering our nation,” Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland said in a report on Wednesday. It’s another milestone in our efforts.” release. “By working closely with state and local leaders, tribes, marine users and other stakeholders, we will benefit local communities while reducing potential impacts on the environment and marine life. We are committed to responsible clean energy development.”

DOI referred to Wednesday’s press release when it reached out to the Daily Caller News Foundation for comment. The Marine Energy Management Authority and Orsted did not immediately respond to DCNF’s request for comment.

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