Eight New Jersey towns file lawsuit to stop construction of offshore wind project

Eight Jersey Shore towns are suing to stop the Atlantic Shores offshore wind project from being constructed. 

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Projection approved the project last month, which will have up to 200 wind turbines sitting approximately nine miles off the coast of New Jersey. 

The communities involved in the lawsuit – Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Brigantine Beach, Harvey Cedars, Long Beach Township, Ship Bottom, Surf City and Ventnor City – are concerned about environmental impacts, as well as impacts to the tourism industry, historic sites and commercial fishing, according to the Asbury Park Press newspaper.

“The turbines themselves are nearly as tall as the Empire State Building and the blades are nearly the length of the Eiffel Tower,” said Frank Huttle III, attorney for the towns.

The towns are asking the court to review DEP’s decision to approve the project.