When you think about New Jersey, wind power probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, a growing number of communities are working to change the image of the state as a factory and freeway-filled wasteland into one of a sustainable energy empire.
As The Star Ledger reports, the township of Montclair recently installed two wind turbines that will generate 2,000 watts of energy—enough to power one of the town’s water supply tanks. While that may not seem like a huge achievement, consider this: The tank holds 2.5 million gallons of water.
And Montclair’s wind power effort isn’t even close to the only one in the state. In fact, New Jersey is plotting one of the most ambitious wind energy projects in the country.
According to an article in The Asbury Park Press, New Jersey is aiming to be the first state to build enough offshore wind farms to power 450,000 homes per year. If the energy initiative goes forward, an astounding 20 percent of the state’s power would come from wind by 2020.
Let’s hope that other states follow New Jersey’s example.
Thank you,Ariel. A well written and insightful article -and who knew, really, about New Jersey and wind power.
If you are still writing about the Northeast a couple of thoughts – there’s the whole thing about the wind turbines off the cape cod coast – between cape cod and the vineyard and in New Haven there’s the under the Long Isalnd Sound gas line going from Connecticut to LongIsland that is going to destroy the shell fishing beds here – these may be worth another look with fresh eyes.
“Let’s hope that other states follow New Jersey’s example.”
I think that may be the first time in history someone has legitimately been able to say that. Kudos NJ.
Its either that or learn to speak Arabic. Wouldn’t Arabic sound funny with a New Jersey accent?
Great entry, Ariel. This could be an interesting story for our program to follow. Keep me posted…
way to go Ariel! Somebody has got to represent!
It’s good to see that state of NJ is actually trying to take some positive action. I believe wind energy is a viable alternative efforts to use it should be more widespread right now. Now the only hurdle is to get the citizen’s to accept this and not complain about having the wind turbines put up “in their backyard”.
Great article. You might be interested in what Summit NJ is doing, Check out Summit Green Fest.
As a community organizer for NJ wind, I am ecstatic that New Jerseans are embracing wind energy.
If you want to get in touch with me to have wind delivered to your house (no equipment will be installed in your property), contact me through http://www.njwind.com
As Chairman of the Passaic County Energy Commission,N.J.
in 1983, I presented an 8 page document to the President and N.J. State Leaders, about my suggestions to ease the oil crisis, at that time. (Oil jumped from $10.00/barrel to $40.00/barrel). Among many possibilities, I stressed the all-important message …the government(s) [Federal, State and local, should "LEAD BY EXAMPLE"]. Montclair should be complimented … for leading the way …when the Feds and State watch ….with their mouths open. For more information, see my Website …Cifaldi.org, clik on files … clik on GLOBAL WARMING-OIL CRISES
WITH ALL THE FANS GOING UP, DOES THAT MEAN THE USA IS GOING TO BE ENSHROWDED IN CROSS WINGS TO HURRICANE AND TORNADO INTERTWINNING FOR THE REST OF THE COUNTRY?