N.J. environmentalists press for offshore wind projects

Environmental groups in New Jersey are supporting the development of offshore wind projects. Matt Elliott, the clean energy advocate for Environment New Jersey, said wind energy has enormous potential.”If fully tapped, the winds blowing just off the Jersey Shore could create enough energy to power 4.8 million New Jersey households,” said Elliot. “That’s more than every household in the state — with some power to spare.”State Department of Environmental Protection officials said building the renewable energy industry is a priority for the Christie administration. And several wind projects off the Jersey coast have been proposed.Department of Environmental Protection Assistant Commissioner Michele Siekerka said offshore wind is exactly the type of growth that New Jersey is striving for. “The type of sustainable growth that combines environmental stewardship with economic growth,” she said. “It means well-paying jobs, the return of manufacturing to our state, and energy production which is environmentally friendly.”The groups also are calling on the federal government to improve the permitting process to speed approval times.

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