TRENTON, N.J. — Governor Phil Murphy is vowing to keep New Jersey’s wind energy plans on course, despite a new federal directive from the Trump administration that has halted all approvals for wind projects across the country.
Murphy on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding wind power in the Garden State, calling it central to New Jersey’s clean energy goals and job creation efforts. “Wind energy has the potential to generate thousands of good-paying jobs, reduce harmful emissions, and secure a healthier, more sustainable future for all New Jerseyans,” the governor said in a statement.
The remarks came as New Jersey joined a coalition of 18 states in a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The suit challenges a January 20 presidential memorandum that indefinitely freezes federal permitting for offshore and onshore wind energy developments, including projects that had already begun construction.
Governor Murphy said the directive was a setback but not a defeat. “We are committed to reversing this disruptive action and will take every step necessary to get these projects back on track,” he said.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin added that the freeze would have a direct impact on New Jersey workers and energy costs. “We are standing up for working families, for our environment, and for the jobs being killed by this unlawful action,” Platkin said.
Key points
- Governor Murphy reaffirmed New Jersey’s commitment to wind energy expansion
- A federal freeze ordered by President Trump halts all wind energy project approvals
- NJ joined a multistate lawsuit aiming to overturn the directive
State officials emphasize wind’s role in energy future
Murphy framed wind power as a key component of the state’s plan to achieve 100% clean electricity sales by 2035. He emphasized its potential to drive local economic growth while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The January memorandum directed federal agencies to stop all activity related to permitting wind projects, including one in New York that had already received approval and begun construction. The directive has since stalled projects that would contribute to more than 10% of U.S. electricity generation, according to state officials.
New Jersey’s legal action, led by Platkin, seeks to lift the freeze and allow pending and future wind energy projects to move forward without federal obstruction.