You may have seen recent news coverage about a proposal by Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind (a 50-50 joint venture between EDF Renewables North America and Shell New Energies US LLC) to build a wind farm off our coast.  Some LBIslanders have expressed concern over the proximity to shore and visibility from the beach.  Surveys conducted by the University of Delaware and the University of North Carolina indicate the proximity to shore and hence the visibility of the turbines can have a negative impact on visitors’ desire to visit and rent in coastal communities. The developer is expected to file a Construction and Operations Plan with the Bureau of Ocean Management (BOEM) next month.  BOEM has the ability to hold off its review of the wind farm plan until after it conducts an ‘early scoping process’ which would allow for public input prior to plan review.

You can find some details in our Issues and Announcements section:

• a presentation by Bob Stern (Beach Haven) that raises concerns about the potential impacts on tourism and  values, given the visibility of the project from the shoreline.
• a sample letter to BOEM, requesting an early scoping process, for your consideration.
• NJ respresentatives contact listcontact info for New Jersey representatives