Trenton, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s ambitious vision to transform the state into a national leader in offshore wind energy has unraveled, marking a significant blow to his environmental legacy as his second term nears its end. Once hailed as a cornerstone of his climate agenda, the offshore wind program has faced a cascade of setbacks, leaving the state without a single operational turbine and raising questions about the feasibility of his clean energy goals.
Murphy, a Democrat who took office in 2018, staked much of his administration on offshore wind, promising it would deliver clean energy, thousands of union jobs, and a thriving green economy. His administration set aggressive targets—initially 3,500 megawatts (MW) by 2030, later expanded to 7,500 MW by 2035, and eventually 11,000 MW by 2040—envisioning a future where wind farms dotted the Atlantic horizon. Yet, as of today, the state’s offshore wind industry is in disarray, with major projects abandoned, permits revoked, and public support waning.
The unraveling began in earnest in 2023 when Ørsted, a Danish energy giant, pulled out of two major projects, Ocean Wind 1 and 2, citing inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising interest rates. The cancellation erased plans for over 2,200 MW of capacity and infuriated Murphy, who called the decision “outrageous” and vowed to hold Ørsted accountable for a promised $300 million penalty. A subsequent settlement netted the state $125 million, but the loss left a gaping hole in Murphy’s plans…