In the heated race for New Jersey governor, Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill and Republican contender Jack Ciattarelli hold starkly contrasting positions on wind turbines, particularly offshore projects. With offshore wind farms proposed along the Jersey Shore, their views and the upcoming election could shape the future of renewable energy in the Garden State.
Mikie Sherrill's Support for Wind Energy
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill is a vocal advocate for offshore wind turbines as a cornerstone of New Jersey's clean energy transition. She has praised prior approvals for offshore wind turbines such as the proposed Atlantic Shores project to provide energy while combatting climate change. Sherrill applauded the Biden administration's prior actions on offshore wind turbine land auctions.
In her gubernatorial platform, Sherrill positions wind energy as essential. She has criticized President Donald Trump for federal obstacles to wind energy, vowing to streamline permitting processes in New Jersey to accelerate these projects. Her support aligns with broader Democrat goals, viewing wind turbines as a path to environmental protection and economic opportunity.
Jack Ciattarelli's Opposition to Offshore Wind
Former State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli staunchly opposes offshore wind turbines, promising to ban them if elected. He labels current policies under Governor Phil Murphy as "pie-in-the-sky" and unaffordable, arguing they threaten jobs and exacerbate high living costs. Ciattarelli has challenged Democratic rivals to reject Murphy's energy agenda, including offshore wind, and advocates for an "all-of-the-above" approach favoring natural gas, nuclear, and solar—but explicitly excluding wind farms off the coast.
His campaign highlights concerns over visual impacts on the Jersey Shore, potential harm to marine life, and economic burdens on residents. Ciattarelli pledges to repeal mandates tied to wind projects, withdraw from regional greenhouse gas initiatives, and prioritize reliable, affordable energy sources. He sees offshore turbines as unnecessary and disruptive.
Trump Puts the Brakes on Atlantic Shores Project in New Jersey
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office pausing all offshore wind turbine projects. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency pulled the Clean Air Act permit for the Atlantic Shores project in March 2025, citing Trump's executive order. The company was planning to build turbines off the coast of Atlantic City, but was forced to cancel the project. However, Atlantic Shores CEO Joris Veldhoven emphasized that this represents "the closing of a chapter, but not the end for Atlantic Shores". The company remains open to resuming wind projects in New Jersey if circumstances improve, maintaining that "offshore wind continues to offer New Jersey a strong value proposition that includes thousands of good paying jobs, stable power prices, and real economic benefits.”
It’s crystal clear where the two gubernatorial candidates stand on the topic of offshore wind energy. Now it is up to voters to decide what kind of New Jersey coastline they want and where they get their energy from. The general election in New Jersey takes place on Tuesday, November 4th.
