Ocean City Residents Protest Ørsted's Offshore Wind Farm

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ — Ocean City residents concerned about the environmental impact of Ørsted's proposed offshore wind farm held a peaceful protest Tuesday outside of the Cape May County Administration Building in Cape May Court House.

Ørsted plans to install up to 98 turbines offshore about 15 miles southeast of Atlantic City, but the wind farm continues to draw opposition from New Jersey's southern coastal communities.

Several of the residents who attended the protest came out in support of Save Our Shoreline NJ, a Facebook group with nearly 4,000 members. The administrators of Save Our Shoreline NJ have launched a website and a petition against the proposed wind farm, citing environmental and financial concerns.

Cape May County Commissioner Director Gerald Thornton and Congressman Jeff Van Drew addressed the concerns of residents during the protest, adding that they are both opposed to the offshore wind farm.

Before the protest, Thornton submitted a letter to BOEM on Tuesday to oppose the project. The public comment period is open through Thursday. Written comments for or against the wind farm can be submitted online or by mail.

“The primary purpose of my objection is concerns for our commercial fishing industry, which is the second most important economic engine for Cape May County,” Thornton said in his statement.

Thornton said fishermen have presented several concerns about the offshore wind farm to him, including the narrow access lanes between turbines and how the construction will impact sea life.

“I have not seen enough information to convince me that our sea life won’t be harmed by this development,” he said “Equally as important, I cannot support a project who is not listening to our people.”

The Cape May County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution at their meeting Tuesday opposing the wind farm.

After public comment sessions conclude on April 29, BOEM and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Projection will rule on the safety and environmental impact of Ørsted's project. The permitting process is expected to take two years to complete.

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