Atlantic Shores South Offshore Wind Energy Project Approved, Signaling Major Milestone in U.S. Clean Energy Expansion

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior has given the green light to the Atlantic Shores South offshore wind energy project, marking the ninth commercial-scale offshore wind project approved under President Biden’s administration. This approval brings the total clean energy capacity from such projects to over 13 gigawatts, enough to power nearly five million homes.

Secretary Deb Haaland highlighted the significance of this approval, stating, “The Biden-Harris administration is building momentum every day for our clean energy future, and today’s milestone is yet another step toward our ambitious goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030. Our clean energy future is now a reality – thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda we are addressing climate change, fostering job growth, and promoting equitable economic opportunities for all communities.”

National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi emphasized the progress made, noting, “Under President Biden’s leadership, this Administration is building a bright future for American offshore wind, going from zero gigawatts of commercial-scale projects approved to more than 13 gigawatts in the last three years. Today’s approval of an offshore wind project that has a labor agreement with six New Jersey unions reflects the win-win opportunities that we are seizing to benefit local workers and communities.”

The approval aligns with Bidenomics and the President’s Investing in America agenda, which aims to bolster the American economy through infrastructure rebuilding, private sector investments, job creation, and the establishment of a clean energy economy to combat the climate crisis and enhance community resilience.

BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein stated, “Today’s approval of the Atlantic Shores South Wind project follows an intentional collaborative process. At BOEM, our dedication to engaging with Tribal Nations, states, other government agencies, industry, environmental organizations, and ocean users remains paramount, ensuring responsible energy development while addressing community concerns and safeguarding our marine ecosystems.”

Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, BOEM has conducted four offshore wind energy lease sales, including offshore New York, New Jersey, the Carolinas, and the first-ever sales offshore the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Additionally, the Department announced a schedule for up to 12 more lease sales through 2028.

The Atlantic Shores South wind project comprises two facilities — Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1 and 2 — along with associated export cables. It aims to generate up to 2,800 megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately one million homes with renewable energy. The project site is about 8.7 miles off the coast of New Jersey and involves up to 200 wind turbine generators and ten offshore substations, with subsea cables potentially making landfall in Atlantic City and Sea Girt, New Jersey. BOEM has approved the construction of up to 195 wind turbines.

On May 23, 2024, BOEM released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project, which assessed the potential environmental impacts of the construction and operations plan. Four public meetings and a nation-to-nation consultation were held to gather feedback, leading to measures to mitigate impacts on marine life, visual aspects, and existing ocean uses like fishing. These measures are detailed in the Record of Decision and will be enforced as conditions of the project’s approval.

The “Notice of Availability of a Joint Record of Decision for the Proposed Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind South Project” will be published in the Federal Register soon. For more information on the project, visit BOEM’s website.