TRENTON – The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) this week announced the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind South Project. The DEIS marks a crucial step in the project’s federal review, the culmination of extensive technical evaluations and multi-agency coordination over the last year. The state will review the DEIS and work with BOEM and Atlantic Shores as the project moves to the next step at the federal level.
Atlantic Shores South constitutes a critical component of New Jersey’s burgeoning offshore wind industry and will significantly contribute to New Jersey’s accelerated goal of 100% clean energy by 2035. In addition to generating enough clean energy to power 637,000 homes, the project is expected to generate 3,100 full- or part-time jobs and $1.9 billion in economic impact for New Jersey.
“BOEM’s announcement of the DEIS for Atlantic Shores South represents an inflection point not just for this pivotal project, but for New Jersey’s clean energy future,” NJ Gov. Phil Murphy said. “Responsible offshore wind development remains integral to our pursuit of a 100% clean energy economy by 2035, a pursuit that has only become more necessary and urgent as a result of the worsening climate crisis. In addition to limiting greenhouse gas emissions and powering more than 600,000 homes, Atlantic Shores South will generate thousands of good-paying jobs and nearly $2 billion in economic impact for the Garden State.”
“The release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Atlantic Shores is an important step in the evaluation of this offshore wind project,” NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said. “The DEP will thoroughly evaluate and provide comment to ensure all necessary steps are taken to avoid potential adverse impacts to New Jersey’s natural, historic and cultural resources. We thank our federal partners at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for their continued partnership in the responsible development of offshore wind.”
“We are thrilled to see Atlantic Shores South reach this critical milestone in the federal review process” said Joris Veldhoven, CEO of Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind. “As the developer of New Jersey’s largest offshore wind project, Atlantic Shores is proud to support New Jersey and its efforts to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035.”
Today marks the publication of the official notice in the Federal Register and the start of the 45-day public comment period.
Public hearings will be held to garner comments regarding the report. Learn more here.
The DEP will thoroughly review the DEIS, which analyzes the project’s potential impacts to natural, historic and cultural resources, and associated mitigation measures, and provide feedback to BOEM as a cooperating agency by July 3. The comment will be made publicly available on the DEP’s website.
