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Feb. 5-11
New Wind Initiative
In October New Jersey’s offshore wind plans were dealt an enormous blow when the Danish wind farm developer Orsted pulled out of its commitments for Ocean Wind I and II off the coast of Ocean City. The state’s response was to double down with accelerated goals for wind-generated power.
Gov. Phil Murphy also pushed his electrification agenda hard when he announced the state’s adoption of the Advanced Clean Car II rule, which will begin impacting new car sales with the 2027 model year. Simultaneously the governor set new targets for home-heating electrification, which he subsequently again accelerated the push when the Garden State joined with nine other states to facilitate the transition to electric technologies in residential buildings.
With all this happening, the need for generating electricity from renewable sources was again center stage. New Jersey awarded two new wind farm lease areas and Murphy asked the Board of Public Utilities to speed up the next solicitation.
Meanwhile ex-Murphy aide Paulina O’Connor was selected to head a wind energy industry advocacy group and the U.S. Department of Energy is giving support to the state’s plans with its newly announced National Center of Excellence aimed at accelerating domestic offshore wind development. Locally the Sweeney Center at Rowan University has scheduled a conference for later this month entitled, “Moving Forward on Offshore Wind.”
There is a major effort ongoing now to get New Jersey back on the leaderboard of states committed to offshore wind development. Since actions often produce reactions, we can expect to see an intensification of the opposition to offshore wind as well.
Beaches Get an F
The Surfrider Foundation issued its report on how well coastal states are protecting their shoreline from overdevelopment, erosion and rising seas. The foundation, a national nonprofit committed to the “protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches,” gave New Jersey an F grade, saying the state has backed away from “commitments to plan for climate change impacts.”
The report argues that the state lacks “regional sediment management plans,” forcing it to rely heavily on beach replenishment, producing in turn “the state’s nation-leading amount of replenishment projects.”
The state is criticized as well for disincentivizing “nature-based solutions” and overutilization of “armoring projects.”
Active housing development along the coast, as has defined much of Cape May County since the pandemic, comes in for its share of criticism when the report uses real estate development patterns to argue that the state regulations do not discourage new home development in “coastal risk areas.”
Lastly the report argues that the state is failing to implement its own rules that would force local land use plans to analyze sea level rise. The same complaint is lodged against the state for not enforcing legislation that requires developers to take sea level rise into account when filing for permits.
The report rates efforts in 29 coastal states and the islands of Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Of the 14 states along the Atlantic seaboard, there was only one F grade issued – for New Jersey.
Making the Easy Hard
There are few issues that don’t get caught up in our partisan divide. One that we can all agree on stands out. No one likes the telemarketing calls that come at all hours. Some are merely annoying and others are dangerous scams that bilk unsuspecting Americans, often the elderly, out of millions each year.
The New Jersey Senate Commerce Committee advanced a bill on Monday, Jan. 5, aimed at stopping the practice of spoofing the name and number on caller ID to make the call more likely to be answered. The bill would require telemarketers to use their name and number. Supporters say it will give the public a better opportunity to screen the calls they respond to.
This bill builds on a telemarketing transparency law signed into law last May requiring marketers to reveal within the first 30 seconds their name, address, telephone number and purpose of the call.
The average cold call success rate is around 2%, so if marketers want to make money at this they must inundate the public with calls. No one pays attention to Do Not Call lists and potential penalties are obviously not serving as a deterrent. The real problem? Lack of effective enforcement.
What is so difficult here? Why does it take a lengthy legislative process to prevent telemarketers from hiding who they are and where they are calling from? This bill is not new. It was introduced in the last legislative session as well.
Happenings
A Belleplain man was arrested for possession of child pornography following an investigation triggered by a cyber tip. He faces third-degree charges and a prison term of three to five years.
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry’s new fare schedule, effective April 1, 2024, aims to enhance farebox recovery and offer preferential treatment for multi-trip customers. Changes include increased vehicle fares and the introduction of a Loyalty Rewards Members program.
Middle Township’s Police Chief, Jennifer Pooler, announced her retirement, effective July 1, just over a year after assuming the role.
The proposed merger between Cape Regional Health System and Cooper University Health System received no opposition at a public hearing, with support from officials and community members. The state review process continues.
The Attorney General’s Office is seeking help finding fugitive Kurt Young, 56, a retired corrections officer facing human trafficking charges. Young allegedly paid co-defendants to exploit a minor at his home in Dennis Township.
A Zoom discussion, attended by about 60 participants, focused on affordable housing and homelessness, highlighting the need for more affordable units and support services.
Gov. Murphy signed legislation on Jan. 16 aimed at benefiting New Jersey breweries, removing tour requirements and allowing collaboration with restaurants for food service and live music. Local breweries expressed optimism about the changes.
The Middle Township Committee approved a license for Insa Middle Township LLC to operate a cannabis retail store in a former Wawa, citing minimal community impact and anticipated tax revenue.
West Wildwood invested $4 million to fix stormwater infiltration in its sewer system. Discussions about sewer billing methods and preventing floodwater entry into the system aim to manage costs efficiently.
A New Jersey nonprofit found that 2,892 people died from overdoses in 2022, with significant drug-related issues in South Jersey.
Stone Harbor stands to regain its Level 5 rating when it comes to flood insurance, with Level 4 and even Level 3 possible due to recent initiatives, potentially granting property owners higher discounts.
After retiring from 31 years of teaching, Jim Colubiale penned “Teachable Moments,” drawing from his experiences to create a fictional tale about a new teacher’s challenges.
The state Department of Environmental Protection presented plans for a $37.5 million restoration project at Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area. Residents raised concerns about the project’s impact.
Gerald White, the drunk driver who killed two people during an unsanctioned car rally in Wildwood, received a 25-year prison sentence.
Spout Off of the Week
Wildwood Crest / Shamokin, Pa. – Visiting the Crest for 2 weeks this summer from Shamokin. Besides the beach and boardwalk, I love the concerts. I especially like that old Superman guy who entertains in front of the bandstand. I heard he was an old vaudeville dancer back in the day. He gets my grandkids up and dancing and they want a picture taken with him. Seems like he has a following from a senior club or nursing home who are always there with him. Seems like a fun group who dance with him to every song. Keep dancing and having fun. Hope to see you all in July.
Read more spouts at spoutoff.capemaycountyherald.com.
