No Change in Position: Longport Still Says “No” to Offshore Wind

While some New Jersey lawmakers push to revive offshore wind energy projects, Longport is holding the line. At a recent borough meeting and in coordination with neighboring Downbeach towns, Longport officials reiterated their opposition to any future offshore wind farms, citing potential risks to marine life, tourism, and shoreline views.

This comes in the wake of Ørsted’s cancellation of the Ocean Wind 1 project last fall—a decision celebrated by local leaders and residents alike.

A Quick Recap: Why This Became So Controversial

Ocean Wind 1 was slated to install turbines off the coast of Atlantic City, but drew sharp criticism from coastal communities, including Longport, Margate, and Ventnor. Concerns included:

• Possible harm to marine ecosystems and bird migration

• Visual disruption of oceanfront views from beaches and homes

• Unclear economic benefit to local towns

• Lack of transparency in planning and environmental review

Ørsted formally withdrew the project in 2024, citing economic factors—but the debate is far from over.

What’s Happening Now?

While there is no active wind farm proposal for Longport’s coast, new legislation under consideration in Trenton could pave the way for revived or restructured offshore energy projects.

Longport officials are calling for:

• Mandatory local input before state-level approvals

• Full environmental impact statements

• Greater clarity on public benefit vs. private gain

A borough commissioner paraphrased in Downbeach Buzz noted, “We’re not anti-renewable energy—we’re pro-responsible planning.”

Local Perspective: Residents Want Their Say

Facebook group discussions in Longport and Margate lit up when news of the proposed legislation surfaced. Common sentiments included:

• “We already won this fight. Don’t sneak it back in.”

• “Fix the grid before you mess with the view.”

• “If turbines go up, who gets the power? Certainly not us.”

The overall tone: skepticism with a strong undercurrent of civic pride.

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Why It Matters

Longport’s consistent stance on offshore wind sends a message: coastal identity, environmental integrity, and visual heritage matter just as much as renewable goals. With the future of wind energy in flux statewide, towns like Longport are demanding a seat at the table—before any turbines appear on the horizon.

Micro-FAQ

Is there a new wind project proposed off Longport?
No. But new legislation could make it easier for future projects to be revived or approved.

What project was canceled?
Ørsted’s Ocean Wind 1, planned off Atlantic City.

What’s Longport’s main concern?
Environmental impact, shoreline aesthetics, and lack of local input.