U.S. Senator Menendez: New OW Project Adds Jobs, Makes NJ National Wind Energy Leader

Last week, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez visited Steel Pier in Atlantic City, where it was officially announced that Fishermen’s Energy will receive up to $47 million in federal grants over the next four years from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Wind Program for its Atlantic City Wind Farm offshore wind energy demonstration pilot project.

Senator Menendez discussed the project, which is expected to create 250 jobs and create $100 million in economic activity in New Jersey.

“Clean, responsible energy development projects like this bring good-paying jobs to our state and help us modernize New Jersey’s economy,” said Senator Menendez.“We must continue looking into innovative energy options – like clean wind and solar projects – that can one day become the next energy giant and can reinvigorate our workforce in the 21st century global economy.”

He added: “I vow to remain committed to responsible and sustainable development of our offshore renewable resources in New Jersey, which helps us ease off our insatiable reliance on traditional fuels that threaten our coastal economies and ecosystems. In a state where we understand all too well the destructive effects of our continued reliance on fossil fuels, this wind energy project represents a new era in the fight against climate change.”

“Projects like Fishermen’s Atlantic City Windfarm and the other projects sponsored by the Department of Energy are a first step in the direction of a building a robust sustainable energy infrastructure,” said Chris Wissemann, Fishermen’s Energy CEO. “The support provided by Congress, specifically the NJ delegation, and the Department of Energy is critical to bringing offshore wind to the United States.”

“Offshore wind represents the best chance to power New Jersey with clean, renewable energy,” said Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey. “The Fishermen’s Energy pilot project is poised to lead the way — and this federal grant moves us one step closer to making off-shore wind a reality.”

Additionally, on July 17, 2014, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced it’s making 344,000 offshore acres available for leasing to wind energy projects off the coast of New Jersey, further increasing New Jersey’s potential for offshore wind power. There will be a 60-day public comment period on this proposal.