Fishermen’s Energy Receives Permits from New Jersey DEP

ATLANTIC CITY— Fishermen’s Energy announced Wed., April 6 that the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued the major environmental permits to build
its demonstration-scale, six turbine Fishermen’s Atlantic City Windfarm to be located in New Jersey State
waters off the coast of Atlantic City.
DEP issued the project’s CAFRA Individual Permit, Waterfront Development Permit and Water Quality Certificate after technical, legal, and staff review of the project application and after a public notice and comment period which garnered only positive support from a variety of stakeholders.
“The development of offshore wind projects off New Jersey’s coast is a priority for the Christie
Administration,” said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. “The governor is committed to
making the state a leader in this new industry, with its environmental and economic benefits. This is a
great first step forward in making this a reality for New Jersey.”
City Solicitor, G. Bruce Ward noted “the City and its Alternative Energy Task Force is thrilled the state
has approved Fishermen’s Energy Offshore Wind Project. We are especially proud of our Planning
Department which guided the City’s role through uncharted waters to accomplish regulatory challenges
never tackled by any municipality. This project serves to further energize Atlantic City as New Jersey’s
focal point for sustainable energy awareness and commitment.”
“I am very happy to hear this project is progressing. The potential of wind energy is very exciting. To
have the first commercial wind farm in New Jersey operating outside of Atlantic City could mean a
tremendous economic benefit to our local economy,” said Assemblyman John Amodeo, a sponsor of the
“Offshore Wind Economic Development Act.”
“Today’s announcement puts New Jersey one step closer to being America’s leader on offshore wind” said Matt Elliott, Global Warming and Clean Energy Advocate, Environment New Jersey. “Offshore wind is a safe reliable way to generate electricity without creating a drop of pollution. We congratulate
Fishermen’s Energy on this exciting news. With all the energy crises facing our nation and our world, we
need projects like this more than ever. It’s refreshing to have some good energy news for a change.”
Elliott remarked.
“Fishermen’s Energy’s demonstration project off Atlantic City will be the catalyst needed to jump-start
the offshore wind industry in New Jersey and sends the right signals to manufacturers that New Jersey is
open for business.” said Daniel Cohen President of Fishermen’ Energy. “In about four years, this project
will be followed by a utility scale project about 12 miles offshore in federal waters. We must begin now
with the State Water’s Project, to build the confidence of the public, the environmental community and
financiers, to make larger utility scale projects a reality.
“There are no operating offshore windfarms in America yet; this can be a first for New Jersey and the country.” Cohen continued.
“This is a ground-breaking project and the NJ DEP applied a rigorous review to the project and its
regulatory context” said Mike Madia, COO of Fishermen’s Energy. “Offshore wind has the potential to
provide at least 20% of the electricity demands of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. Offshore wind
is already contributing clean energy to Europe and we look forward to participating in a new industry for
New Jersey and creating green jobs.
“This project will result in over 200 construction jobs and 15-20
operations, maintenance and asset management related positions, while also contributing to the local
economy by creating an iconic major tourist attraction. We have begun pre-construction environmental
monitoring and plan to continue this analysis and reporting well after the project is commissioned, so the
public, environmental groups and regulators have access to even more data upon which to plan larger,
further offshore utility scale projects” continued Madia.