Writer: Joshua Andino
2 min read May 2023 – The Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind South Project reached a critical milestone last week with the release of the draft environmental impact assessment (DEIS) from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
The Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1 and Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 2, or simply the Atlantic Shores South Wind Project — calls for up to two offshore wind farms at Sea Girt, Atlantic City, or both that could provide up to 2,800 megawatts (MW) of power, or up to nearly 1 million homes. Up to 200 turbines and 10 offshore substations could be built as part of the project.
The overall area that the project covers would be about 102,124 acres and 8.7 statute miles off the New Jersey coast.
“As BOEM moves forward with our environmental reviews, we are committed to working with Tribal nations, government agency partners, lessees, environmental organizations, local communities, ocean users and others,” said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein in a prepared statement. “By working together, we can build a strong, enduring offshore wind industry that ensures American communities across the nation benefit from good paying jobs and clean, reliable, domestic renewable energy.”
New Jersey has worked to position itself as a leader in the green energy industry, with the goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2035, a point reiterated by Governor Phil Murphy in a press release.
“BOEM’s announcement of the DEIS for Atlantic Shores South represents an inflection point not just for this pivotal project, but for New Jersey’s clean energy future,” said Gov. Murphy. “Responsible offshore wind development remains integral to our pursuit of a 100% clean energy economy by 2035, a pursuit that has only become more necessary and urgent as a result of the worsening climate crisis. In addition to limiting greenhouse gas emissions and powering more than 600,000 homes, Atlantic Shores South will generate thousands of good-paying jobs and nearly $2 billion in economic impact for the Garden State.”
With the release of the proposal, the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind South Project has now entered into a 45-day public comment period, ending on July 1. BOEM will hold two in-person meetings on Wednesday, June 21 at 5:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Manahawkin at Long Beach Island, and a second on Thursday, June 22, also at 5:00 p.m., at the Atlantic City Convention Center. There will also be two virtual meetings on Monday and Wednesday, June 26 and 28 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., respectively.
How the community responds to the project will inform the final EIS, with policymakers and local leaders paying close attention to public perception. Offshore wind projects have, despite the seemingly benign nature of the projects, caused some controversy in the communities they are based around. While communities may be able to protest the development, officials have taken steps in New Jersey and elsewhere to ensure their timely construction.
The Department of Environmental Protection will also review the EIS, with Commissioner Shawn LaTourette saying, “The DEP will thoroughly evaluate and provide comment to ensure all necessary steps are taken to avoid potential adverse impacts to New Jersey’s natural, historic and cultural resources.”
With the release of the draft EIS, Joris Veldhoven, CEO of Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, said he was excited for the future and what it would contribute to New Jersey, saying, “As the developer of New Jersey’s largest offshore wind project, Atlantic Shores is proud to support New Jersey and its efforts to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035.”
For more information, visit:
