Mazzeo Proposes Bill for AC Wind Energy Tax Credit- Good Step Forward

A New Jersey bill that would expands eligibility for tax credits for development of qualified wind energy facilities has recently been introduced in the Statehouse. A5100 (Mazzeo) This bill would amend the law (P.L.2010, c.57) concerning the development of offshore wind projects to amend the definition of “wind energy zone” to include Atlantic County.

“This legislation is a good idea when it comes to making offshore wind a reality in New Jersey. Including Atlantic County for wind tax credits is smart because there is currently a wind proposal there. As the technology is improving and getting cheaper, we can get to 1100MW off our coast which would power ½ of our state’s energy needs.  It’s good the legislature is moving forward on wind incentives for our state, however other sites, like in Cape May County at the B.L England site, should be included under the bill and make it a port for offshore wind,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “We fought B.L England when it was a coal plant, then as a proposed natural gas plant. Now that the plant is finally dead, it would be a great site to put cleaner, greener, wind energy there.”

New Jersey has already received several applications for offshore wind in the same area as the B.L England Plant. Companies like Orsted for instance, has the potential to build 1100MW offshore off the Atlantic Coast and has interest in using the B.L England site for the that project.

“New Jersey’s goal is to get 3500MW of offshore wind but we can get to 10,000MW by using the B.L England site as a port. Orsted, a major wind company, has already been in discussion with the town and others for using the B.L England site as part of its offshore wind project. We have said all along that this area would be a perfect location for offshore wind. It is important that we bring that potential offshore wind to our shore,” said Tittel.

Current law defines the term “wind energy zone” as property located in the South Jersey Port District established pursuant to “The South Jersey Port Corporation Act.”  This bill would expand this definition to allow qualified wind energy facilities located in Atlantic County to be eligible for a tax credit from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Offshore wind can be the engine that drives our state to reach Governor Murphy’s 100% clean energy goals. Climate change impacts are happening now and it is critical for New Jersey transition to a renewable energy source to reduce those impacts. Offshore wind off our coast could feasibly power 1.2 million homes with clean energy. Other states, such as Rhode Island, have gotten the jobs and economic advantages of wind while NJ has fallen behind. Building wind mills in Atlantic County, and Cape May County would provide clean energy, green jobs, and an overall economic boost,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “We thank Assemblyman Mazzeo for his stewardship on this bill. As we continue to rebuild our coast in the wake of multiple storm events we need to invest in clean, renewable energy sources that do not contribute to climate change.”