Lawsuits Could Mean Delays For NJ’s First Offshore Wind Project

Legal wrangling on both sides of the offshore windpower issue could delay New Jersey’s first such project. Developer Orsted is suing governments to stop delaying necessary permits, and citizens groups try to halt the project altogether. Orsted is taking Cape May County to task, accusing leaders there of failing to issue a road permit needed to do test work along the route a power cable would run in timely fashion. Ocean City is being sued by the company for delays as well. Also, last month, three citizens groups opposed to offshore wind — Save Long Beach Island, Defend Brigantine Beach, and Protect Our Coast NJ — filed an appeal of New Jersey’s determination that the Ocean Wind I project is consistent with state coastal management rules.