Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. Attorneys Mike Stein and Frank Huttle Quoted in Media on Comment Letter Filed with the NJDEP on Proposed Offshore Wind Project Off Long Beach Island
Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. managing partner Michael S. Stein and partner Frank Huttle were quoted in the media on the filing of a comment letter with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection on behalf of Long Beach Township, Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Barnegat Light, Surf City, and Harvey Cedars, representing all the municipalities on Long Beach Island (the “LBI Municipalities”).
The comments relate to the application by the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind LLC regarding the proposed offshore wind project off Long Beach Island.
Huttle stated, “The comment letter explains that the project as proposed does not comply with NJDEP’s coastal zone management regulations, and that NJDEP must thus deny the Atlantic Shores’ request and should encourage the applicant to seek approval of a project in a designated lease area further offshore that would have far fewer impacts on the state’s coastal resources and economy.”
Stein added, “While the LBI Municipalities are proponents of alternative energy and wind power, the facts of the Atlantic Shores project clearly show a misguided and rushed process that lacks a full evaluation of the detrimental impact on the environment and the economy. As the comment letter states, the Atlantic Shores project directly conflicts with New Jersey’s coastal policies and requires additional studies based on current data.”
Huttle added, “This is why the Long Beach Island municipalities have joined together, with one voice to protect their diverse year-round businesses and residential communities which, along with being a pristine stretch of beaches, are also a hub for tourism and commercial fishing, with protected sand dunes, natural refuges for birds on the south of the island, and a historic state park to the north.”
The matter has received extensive media attention.
Links to media coverage:
- July 3, 2023, The Press of Atlantic City, “Long Beach Island Towns Express Opposition to Wind Project.” To read article please click here.
- July 5, 2023, Shore News Network, “Here’s What Phil Murphy’s Offshore Windfarm Will Look Like from the Beach.” To read the article please click here.
- July 5, 2023, Shore News Network, “Law Firm Representing LBI Fires Off Letter in Opposition to Wind Farm.” To read the article please click here.
- July 6, 2023, The Sand Paper, “Offshore Wind Fight Ramps Up As LBI Mayors Prepare for Legal Action.” To read the article please click here.
- July 6, 2023, Press of Atlantic City, “Digest” To reach the article please click here.
- July 12, 2023, Patch, “LBI Towns Voice Offshore Wind Opposition.” To read the article please click here.
- July 14, 2023, Saving Seafood, “New Jersey: LBI Towns Voice Offshore Wind Opposition.” To read the article please click here.
