A series of lawsuits and legal battles are threatening to delay the launch of New Jersey's first offshore wind power project, Ocean Wind I. Developer Orsted is currently embroiled in litigation with local governments as they seek to expedite the necessary permits, while citizens' groups are attempting to halt the project altogether. The ongoing legal disputes have cast a cloud of uncertainty over the initiative, which the federal government has endorsed as a crucial element in their efforts to combat climate change and promote the offshore wind industry nationwide.
Orsted's most recent lawsuit targets Cape May County, accusing the government of dragging its feet in issuing a road permit required for test work along the proposed power cable route. Additionally, the company is involved in legal action against the city of Ocean City, citing similar delays impeding the project's progress. However, citizens' groups opposing offshore wind energy, such as Save Long Beach Island, Defend Brigantine Beach, and Protect Our Coast NJ, have also filed appeals against the determination that the Ocean Wind I project aligns with state coastal management rules. Moreover, Save Long Beach Island is suing the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management over the establishment of offshore wind lease sites off the coast of New Jersey.
Orsted's objective to commence construction in the fall is now in jeopardy due to government inertia. The company's lawsuit against Cape May County argues that the delay in issuing the road work permit has already set back the project. While the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has endorsed the proposed cable route and authorized an easement for the work on county-owned property, the county has not acknowledged the easement, demonstrating their opposition to the project. Orsted's decision to take legal action against Cape May County and other entities reflects the stalemate they face in trying to find common ground.
Source: apnews.com