Major wind initiative launched
Ambitious plans for New Jersey’s energy future
This summer, dozens of key New Jersey leaders endorsed our Go Big on Wind campaign, Environment New Jersey’s plan to make our state the first in the nation to develop offshore wind.
“Clean energy technologies such as offshore wind can be a big part of the solution to global warming,” said Matt Elliott, Environment New Jersey’s Global Warming and Clean Energy Advocate. “We need strong leadership from Gov. Jon Corzine and elected officials at all levels of government to ensure that we truly go big on wind in New Jersey.”
Environment New Jersey’s plan would set the most ambitious goals to date in New Jersey for developing offshore wind power.
Soon after their announcement, Gov. Corzine voiced his support for making New Jersey first on offshore wind, and agreed to consider higher goals for offshore wind energy in his 10-year energy master plan.
New Jersey’s potential
By 2020, New Jersey could generate 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy from wind, or enough to power roughly 800,000 households per year. Currently, the Corzine administration is reviewing bids to build an initial offshore pilot project.
Former Gov. Jim Florio joined the campaign, and urged swift action on wind energy. “I am heartened by the status of the initial offshore wind project, and urge Gov. Corzine’s administration to move ahead with the project in a timely manner,” said Florio. “New Jersey can be a national leader in offshore wind energy and we should not shy away from this opportunity.”
Promoting all clean energy
In addition to increasing the state’s offshore wind goals, Environment New Jersey staff worked to convince Gov. Corzine to improve his 10-year energy plan to maximize all renewable energy and energy efficiency and eliminate the need to build new traditional power plants. This plan is to be finalized this fall.
Matt Elliott, Environment New Jersey’s clean energy advocate, launched the Go Big on Wind campaign with Assemblymen Reed Gusciora and John McKeon.
