SOLICTATION FOR OFFSHORE WIND RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATES

To: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)

From: Climate Revolution Action Network

RE: NJ Fourth Solicitation for Offshore Wind Renewable Energy Certificates

Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN) is in strong support of the responsible and equitable development of offshore wind (OSW) energy off New Jersey’s coast. To achieve our goal of 100% clean energy by 2035 and prevent the most severe effects of climate change, New Jersey must take immediate action to diversify its energy portfolio with renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. As the youth voice for environmentalists, CRAN wishes to see the Garden State become a national leader in offshore wind energy to ensure the future of our planet and the well-being of generations to come.

With the recent announcement of $3.7 million in funding for research projects related to ensuring ecologically responsible OSW development, New Jersey is wellpositioned to mitigate any negative impacts to sediment, vegetation, and wildlife. Robust environmental safeguards, such as mandatory reduced speeds for ships, are necessary to restore public confidence in the OSW industry while preventing endangered marine mammal deaths.

Investment in OSW energy presents significant economic opportunities. By investing in renewable energy and the modernization of our energy grid, New Jersey will curb greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise increase the severity of natural disasters and therefore the cost of relief efforts. The OSW industry will also bring thousands of jobs in the manufacturing, construction, and operations of turbines all within state borders. Once installed, OSW will strengthen the Jersey Shore’s booming tourism economy by aesthetically modernizing shoreline communities and opening doors to the ecotourism industry.

CRAN supports the BPU’s opening of the fourth solicitation for offshore wind renewable energy certificates and looks forward to seeing New Jersey become a national model for its renewable energy transition.