In the wake of Orsted’s blockbuster decision to abandon its New Jersey offshore wind projects, state Senator Mike Testa Jr. (R-1) wants answers on the status of the leases and easements which the state was prepared to give to the foreign-owned corporation.
Testa, who represents Cape May County, wrote to the State House Commission on Tuesday asking the body to rescind all prior authorizations for leases and easements for Orsted in addition to an update concerning any previously authorized leases and easements.
“On March 9, 2023, the State House Commission voted to authorize the Murphy Administration to facilitate leases and/or easements of State and local lands, including sensitive coastal areas, to Orsted. All authorizations were advanced to facilitate Ocean Wind projects which were recently abandoned. I am requesting that when the Commission meets on or about November 20th the Commission vote to rescind these and any other prior authorizations,” wrote Testa.
“By way of example, the Commission voted to authorize the State to give Orsted an easement under a half-acre of beach in Ocean City despite strong local opposition, and to authorize the State to lease 2.5 acres of land to Orsted on Island Beach State Park,” Testa continued.
“Regardless as to whether the Commission votes to rescind prior authorizations, I respectfully request that the Commission be provided an update on November 20th as to the status of every lease and/or easement authorized by the Commission. Were they ever perfected? Are they currently pending?” added Testa who is also a Vineland-based attorney. “If they have been perfected, what steps will be taken to get the rights back from Orsted? If they haven’t been perfected, is there a reason not to rescind all authorizations to ensure the State lands remain free of future claims?”
Click here to read Testa’s letter.
The next meeting of the State House Commission is scheduled for November 20th.
