New Jersey lawmakers are considering aggressive renewable
energy legislation that would require 3GW of offshore wind generation by 2030
and 4.5GW by 2050.
The proposal is part of bill that requires New Jersey to
meet a renewable portfolio standard that starts at 20% by 2020 and increases
every five years to reach 80% by 2050.
Senators Bob Smith and Christopher Bateman introduced Bill
S2444 last week, which includes an offshore renewable energy credit program.
The bill is under review by the Senate Environment and
Energy Committee.
Critics question the costs the measure would impose on New
Jersey ratepayers and whether it is technologically feasible.
Governor Chris Christie signed an offshore wind bill in 2010
targeting 1100MW by 2020 but few expect that will happen.
The Board of Public Utilities has yet to enact an OREC
regime.
With Christie expected to make a run for the US presidency
in 2016, critics say his support has waned for state-subsidized offshore wind,
a policy not supported by the Republican party’s conservative wing.
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