TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey State Senator Anthony M. Bucco has urged fellow legislators to return to Trenton and vote on a wind moratorium. He responded to reports indicating growing concerns, including from Democratic legislative leadership, regarding the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) response to new offshore wind development solicitations.
Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s call for action centers on the need for accurate cost assessments and answers about the impacts of offshore wind projects. He emphasized concerns about financial implications, impacts on taxpayers, tourism, marine life, and the environment.
Bucco criticized the allocation of funds, highlighting a $1 billion bailout given to Orsted by Governor Murphy and legislative allies, which he believes should have been redirected to utility customers instead of foreign companies.
He called for Democrats to take decisive action in Trenton to protect ratepayers and marine life.
A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted how wind developers postpone projects due to mounting worries about financing and cost repercussions.
Last December, Governor Murphy’s Rate Counsel also emphasized these challenges, expressing concerns about the affordability of significantly higher electric bills and advocating for a slowdown in wind development.
Senator Bucco had previously advocated for a moratorium in May after leading an independent hearing featuring qualified experts and environmental activists. He now urges fellow legislators to reconvene in Trenton and establish a moratorium on offshore wind development to address shared concerns among state legislators.