TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy reaffirmed his commitment to offshore wind energy, calling it a “no-brainer” for New Jersey’s economy and clean energy goals while criticizing political opposition to the projects.
Speaking about the state’s energy strategy, Murphy said he is less concerned about fossil fuel drilling but remains focused on advancing offshore wind initiatives. “The offshore wind piece is the piece that I worry the most about,” Murphy said. “It’s clean, it’s union jobs… our program would power a million and a half to two million homes.”
New Jersey has positioned itself as a leader in offshore wind development, but projects have faced resistance from opponents citing economic concerns and environmental impacts. Murphy dismissed much of the pushback, saying the issue has been “sucked into some stupid political discourse” and vowed to push forward.
Murphy also credited activists and lawmakers for blocking fossil fuel pipelines transporting fracked gas from Pennsylvania through New Jersey, saying, “We’ve done a pretty damn good job… to push back on that.”
Murphy remains committed to expanding offshore wind energy despite political and economic challenges.
