CAPE MAY, NJ – 0rsted, the offshore wind turbine company that just received a billion-dollar state bail-out to build a wind farm off the coast of South Jersey, is now suing multiple Jersey Shore communities.
In a setback for New Jersey’s ambitious offshore wind energy plans, litigation complications could potentially delay the commencement of the state’s first offshore wind project.
Orsted, the developer spearheading the initiative, is engaged in legal battles against local governments seeking to prevent delays in obtaining necessary permits.
Meanwhile, citizens’ groups are making efforts to bring the entire project to a halt.
The most recent addition to the escalating web of litigation emerged on July 3, when Danish wind power developer Orsted filed a lawsuit against Cape May County.
The company accuses the government of deliberately stalling the issuance of a road permit crucial for conducting test work along the proposed route of a power cable.
Additionally, Orsted has initiated legal proceedings against the city of Ocean City for similar delays experienced during the project’s development.
The federal government has expressed its support for the initiative, considering it a vital component of the White House’s broader efforts to revitalize the offshore wind industry nationwide, aimed at combating the devastating impacts of climate change.