| WALL, N.J. – Assemblyman Sean T. Kean has urged the state Board of Public Utilities to enhance transparency and involve the public in the decision-making process for offshore wind projects.
In a letter to President Christine Guhl-Sadovy and commissioners, he expressed concerns about the lack of open meetings for proposals approved by the agency.
“The absence of public meetings to discuss these offshore wind proposals is causing mistrust and alarm among my constituents,” said Kean. “It’s unfortunate that this letter must serve as critical communication in the absence of a platform for their voices.”
He urged the agency to “slow down, listen, and respond” to the public and stakeholder concerns.
“Concerns about the health and safety of residents, the impact on the marine economy and jobs, and the cost of these huge subsidies to taxpayers and ratepayers have been well-reported in the media,” said Kean. “Additionally, there have been instances of negative impact on marine life. All these concerns must be carefully weighed against the proposed benefits of green energy.”
Kean pointed out that bids are being solicited to build an underground conduit to transmit up to 6400 megawatts of high-voltage power from the Sea Girt Army Camp through Wall Township to Howell Township. This amount of power exceeds the capacity of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Plant and the Three Mile Island Reactor.
“The proposed infrastructure will support Atlantic Shores South and up to three additional offshore projects along the New Jersey Coast,” Kean explained. “Local officials from Howell, Manasquan, Sea Girt, and Wall were not invited to participate before the BPU issued its request for proposals, nor were homeowners who will have transmission cables in their front yards.”
Kean also referenced a recent incident in Nantucket Island, where a turbine blade broke off and washed ashore, causing beach closures and cleanup efforts. He warned that a similar incident in Monmouth or Ocean counties during the summer would significantly impact the state’s economy.
“Utility customers, already facing increased costs, will subsidize Governor Murphy’s offshore wind goals. Recent rate hikes approved for Rockland Electric, Public Service Electric & Gas, Atlantic City Electric, and Jersey Central Power & Light are hurting the people you claim to serve,” Kean stated.
Kean concluded by urging the BPU to hold a public forum in one of the impacted towns to allow residents and local officials to participate in the discussion.
“It is unreasonable to move forward with these offshore wind projects without public input and with many unanswered questions,” Kean emphasized. |
