The Garden State once dreamed of becoming a global leader in offshore wind electricity generation. Now its plans look dead in the water.
James M. O'Neill reports that New Jersey's ambitious plans to develop offshore wind energy appear to have stalled while nearby Rhode Island is taking the lead in this renewable energy market.
"The state Board of Public Utilities has repeatedly rejected a proposal by Fishermen’s Energy to build a small wind farm off the coast of Atlantic City as a pilot project. And five years after the Legislature directed it to do so, the board has yet to complete an essential funding mechanism for offshore wind projects that would guarantee a buyer for the energy they produce."
The article goes on to speculate that New Jersey Governor Chris, once a strong proponent of a potential offshore wind industry for New Jersey, might have "soured on offshore wind because of his presidential ambitions — aware that key Republican financial donors, such as Charles and David Koch, favor the fossil fuel industry." A spokesperson for Gov. Christie recently defended his actions on affordable energy, however.
The article includes a lot more detail about the genesis of New Jersey's offshore wind ambitions as well as the political context that has slowed its momentum.
FULL STORY: N.J.’s push for offshore wind farms loses steam

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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