State Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco, reacting to an investor call by Ørsted last week, renewed his call for a pause on Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration’s Energy Master Plan.
On the call, Ørsted CEO Mads Nipper said supply chain issues and rising interest rates have hampered the company’s efforts — and even made it wonder if abandoning the project was a better option (it ultimately decided not to).
“Ørsted’s recent announcement makes it abundantly clear that the offshore wind projects were rushed, based on political talking points,” Bucco (R-Denville) said. “Not only did Gov. Murphy disregard concerns about the environmental impact of offshore wind surveys, but he also showed no concern about the practical costs of implementing the project long-term.
“Ørsted’s announcement is another red flag that the governor’s extreme Energy Master Plan is misguided, and taxpayers will pay the price for his poor judgment.”
Bucco said the full costs of the Energy Master Plan need to be evaluated and said the Legislature needs to offer more oversight.
“We need to step back and reevaluate this overly expensive energy master plan,” he said. “Ørsted’s offshore wind farm delay is further proof that this project is unsustainable and not in the best interests of New Jersey utility customers.
“The price tag and the risks associated with Ørsted’s project is too much of a burden for taxpayers. Legislators must return to Trenton and do their job to provide oversight of Murphy’s extreme energy policies to prevent taxpayers from footing the bill any further.”
