New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, has stopped approving new offshore wind projects, dealing a major setback to the industry as President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of wind energy, returns to power.
Ry Rivard and Marie J. French report for POLITICO.
In short:
- Murphy’s decision effectively ends much of his clean energy push, leaving New Jersey’s offshore wind future uncertain.
- Trump and other Republicans have long opposed offshore wind, favoring fossil fuels instead.
- Virginia’s offshore wind project, backed by a Republican-led state government, is moving forward despite setbacks elsewhere.
Key quote:
Murphy’s move "plays right into the hands of Donald Trump, who wants to stick New Jersey families with dirty air and expensive oil and gas energy to further enrich his billionaire friends."
— Ed Potosnak, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters
Why this matters:
Offshore wind was expected to help states transition to clean energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and create jobs. With new projects stalling, former President Biden’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 is in jeopardy. Political opposition and permitting challenges could slow the industry’s growth nationwide.
