New Jersey has an opportunity to lead the nation in an up-and-coming and under-utilized technology: offshore wind. Like solar energy and electric vehicles, offshore wind offers an opportunity to offset the devastating impacts of climate change while also bringing jobs and economic growth to our state.

The EEW American Offshore Structures manufacturing plant in Paulsboro is the first monopile fabrication facility in the U.S., where the monopiles windmills for Ocean Wind 1 are being welded, sandblasted and painted.

A policy analyst for the Center for American Progress says the misinformation that offshore wind is killing whales has been particularly potent in New Jersey because of Gov. Phil Murphy’s ambitious plan to invest in offshore wind.

By 2030, NY and NJ’s first offshore wind farms could be operating, helping to achieve clean energy goals. But getting there will require collaboration, engagement, and wise investments for beneficial community outcomes.

The grant recipients will use the funding to provide skill development, workforce training, job placement, and other related services to develop, implement, or expand workforce development initiatives in offshore wind. All programs are either led by or partner with a community-based organization serving a New Jersey overburdened community.

The monopiles from the Paulsboro factory will be driven into the ocean floor to act as massive foundations for offshore wind turbines.

New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority officials say the New Jersey Wind Port alone will create more than 1,500 permanent jobs. The facility’s location puts it in a prime position to get wind turbines out into the ocean for easy construction. New Jersey is becoming a nationwide hub for the industry which gives the state new career opportunities. Training opportunities have been established in Atlantic City with the workforce development program called Wind Power Ready.

Environmental groups, government leaders, faith based organizations, union representatives, and more will come together on Saturday, June 10 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. in Long Branch, New Jersey to support responsible offshore wind, green jobs, and a clean energy future.

Offshore wind in New York and New Jersey is becoming a large contributor to job growth. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority reported offshore wind jobs will hit their peak in 2030 at 20,000, with steady growth in the next decade.

Public comment is being sought on an application by Atlantic Shores LLC for a Department of Army permit for the installation and maintenance of two offshore wind energy facilities and the necessary support infrastructures in federal waters at least 7.7 nautical miles, or 8.7 statute miles, east of Atlantic City.