New Jersey residents have seen a sharp increase in their energy bills, with a 20% hike that began on June 1. The state Board of Public Utilities deferred the full impact until October, but customers are already noticing higher costs.
Former President Donald Trump criticized offshore wind projects for contributing to rising energy prices in New Jersey. “STUPID AND UGLY WINDMILLS ARE KILLING NEW JERSEY,” Trump posted on his Truth social media platform. “Energy prices up 28% this year, and not enough electricity to take care of state. STOP THE WINDMILLS!”
Some critics blame the state’s focus on wind energy and the closure of nuclear and fossil fuel plants for these increases. In April, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management halted all construction on the Empire Wind Project off New Jersey’s coast, but work resumed in May after discussions between regulators and officials from various levels of government.
A rally was held Saturday in Seaside Heights by opponents of the Empire Wind Project, who see it as a threat to national security. U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J., 4th District) spoke at the event, calling the project “one of the worst taxpayer rip-offs ever” and urging Trump to intervene.
“He told me that three days ago, the Department of the Interior announced the launch of a full review of offshore wind energy regulations to ensure alignment with President Donald J. Trump’s energy priorities. This effort includes ensuring federal regulations do not provide preferential treatment to unreliable, foreign-controlled energy sources over dependable, American-made energy.”
Smith also said ocean wind power is a “serious national security threat, an environmental disaster in the making, an existential threat to sea creatures large — including whales and dolphins — and small.” He described it as a “death sentence” for tourism and fishing industries that would require significant taxpayer subsidies and make it “the most expensive form of electricity on the planet.”
Chris Smith has served as U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 4th district since 1981 after replacing Frank Thompson. He was born in Rahway in 1953 and now lives in Manchester Township.
The article can be found online at: https://nj1015.com/new-jersey-wind-project-controversy/
