Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind: Federal Government Reversal

In September 2025, the federal government finally admitted what many local communities, fishermen, and environmental groups have been saying all along: the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project off the coast of New Jersey is flawed, dangerous to the environment, and should not move forward.

The Department of Justice, representing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), asked a federal court to send back for reconsideration its own earlier approval of the project’s Construction and Operations Plan (COP). This rare move — known as a voluntary remand — is a strong signal that the project may not survive further review.

We support this decision. The risks to New Jersey’s environment, economy, and way of life are too great.

What the Atlantic Shores Project Involves

The project is massive. As approved in 2024, Atlantic Shores South would include:

• Up to 200 wind turbines two times the height of the Washington Monument and several offshore substations;

• A meteorological tower to monitor conditions;

• High-voltage subsea cables making landfall in Atlantic City and Sea Girt, New Jersey;

Why BOEM Is Reconsidering Its Approval

BOEM is now backtracking, and here’s why:

1. Environmental Concerns: Its earlier review may have “understated or obfuscated” impacts on the ocean and coastal environment .

2. Conflicts with Other Uses: Federal law requires offshore projects not to interfere with fishing, navigation, or national security — factors that may have not been properly weighed .

3. Legal Shifts: A new legal opinion found that BOEM’s prior approval relied on flawed interpretations of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) .

4. Presidential Directive: A January 2025 White House memo ordered a re-evaluation of all offshore wind leases .

   
   

The Threats to Our Environment and Communities

This project isn’t just a paperwork issue. The risks are real:

• Marine Life at Risk: Whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals could be harmed by underwater noise, habitat destruction, and vessel traffic.

• Fisheries and Livelihoods: Industrial wind development would interfere with fishing grounds and navigation, threatening the livelihoods of local fishermen.

• Tourism and Coastal Economy: New Jersey’s economy depends on its beaches. Turning our shoreline into an industrial zone risks damaging views, property values, and visitor appeal.

• Air Quality Permits: Even the project’s Clean Air Act permit was remanded by the EPA for re-evaluation in March 2025 . Without it, construction cannot legally proceed.

Even the Developer Is Backing Away

Atlantic Shores itself is faltering. In August 2025, the company asked the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to terminate its clean energy contract, citing:

• Rising costs from inflation and interest rates,

• Supply chain shortages,

• A global surge in offshore wind demand, and

• Geopolitical instability (including Russia’s war in Ukraine) .

Even the developer admitted the project was “impracticable at this time.”

Timeline of Key Events

• 2015 – Federal government awards an offshore wind lease off New Jersey.

• 2019 – Lease transferred to Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind.

• March 2021 – Atlantic Shores submits its construction and operations plan (COP).

• July 2024 – BOEM approves the COP; lawsuits filed soon after.

• Jan. 2025 – Presidential memo orders review of all offshore wind leases.

• May 2025 – New legal opinion finds flaws in BOEM’s earlier analysis.

• Mar. 2025 – EPA remands Atlantic Shores’ Clean Air Act permit.

• Aug. 2025 – Atlantic Shores cancels its NJ clean energy contract.

• Sept. 2025 – U.S. government moves for voluntary remand of BOEM’s approval .

Why the Court Should Grant the Government’s Request

The government’s motion makes sense for three reasons:

1. Conserves Resources: Continuing litigation would waste time and money when BOEM already plans a new decision.

2. No Prejudice to Anyone: Construction hasn’t started, so no one is harmed by reevaluation.

3. Protects the Environment: Reconsideration ensures compliance with laws that safeguard our ocean, wildlife, and communities .

   
   

Our Position: Shut It Down for Good

While BOEM’s request for reconsideration is welcome, the agency must go further. The Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project has always been a bad idea: too big, too risky, and too harmful.

The only acceptable outcome is clear: revoke the approval permanently.

Gratitude for Relentless Advocacy

This moment would not have been possible without the tireless work of Save Long Beach Island, Inc. and Dr. Bob Stern, whose persistence and expertise have kept the dangers of Atlantic Shores in the public eye. Their dedication to protecting New Jersey’s coast and marine environment has been essential in pushing the government to reconsider this flawed project.

Bottom Line

This fight is about more than one project. It’s about protecting the ocean, safeguarding marine life, and preserving New Jersey’s way of life. Clean energy is important — but not at the cost of destroying the very environment we seek to save.

The government has taken the first step. Now it must finish the job and shut down Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind for good.