TRENTON, NJ – Following recent news about the faltering offshore wind energy agreements between Ørsted and New Jersey, Senator Declan O’Scanlon, Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn, and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, all of R-13, issued a joint statement addressing the situation.
The trio expressed that Ørsted’s announcement was anticipated by those skeptical of the Governor’s fervent push for “green” energy initiatives. They described the current developments as an affirmation of their earlier reservations regarding the feasibility and fiscal soundness of the offshore plans.
The statement emphasized that while the aim for a sustainable energy source is commendable, the projects endorsed by the Governor and the Trenton Democrats appeared economically and ecologically questionable. They criticized the administration for not conducting a thorough evaluation of these projects and expressed concern over using taxpayer money to support ventures deemed risky.
The lawmakers expressed surprise at the Governor’s reaction to Ørsted’s decision to withdraw from the projects, pointing out that the financial instability of these initiatives was evident months prior. They also disapproved of the Governor’s inclination to employ legal means to salvage the deal.
The statement called for legislative measures to halt any future rash corporate bailouts, especially for foreign entities.
The legislators stressed the importance of transparency, urging a shift in leadership for a more rational approach to energy policies. They ended by advocating for the passage of bill AR181, which would impose a moratorium on all offshore wind projects, and expressed hope for bipartisan support.